Bleached

 

Some bleached leaves

on the beech trees

have clung all winter

to cold, narrow twigs.

It's another cool, overcast day

here in West Michigan.

We are well into April now, and 

those little blond banners are still waving.

I'll wait patiently for these remnant leaves

to release their grip,

and be ready for the conical buds

to swell from copper scales,

then slowly unfurl

into soft, pastel greens,

to unfold their tight pleats

and spread life into the May sunshine.

Photo Locations:

1. 2. 3. 4. Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan