Responding to a cool drizzle,
a sage quintet of pale, slender,
proud birches stand arrow-straight,
exposing raw under-layers
of younger, virgin skin.
Silky fog rises
from a blanket of downy flakes
fallen deep at their feet.
Temperatures plummet,
creating a satiny sheen,
the sparkly illumination
of five sisterlings,
like the spotlight focused
on debutantes
at their coming-out party.
Will they go unnoticed?
Who will hesitate in passing
for just this moment,
exploring endless possibilities,
breathing slowly, observing,
evolving, appreciating the mystery
of these regal ladies?
Spring produces fresh green leaves
the ladies will wear as stylish hats,
until the fall, when green turns to
yellow and ombre,
like the fur and bright feathers
adorning bystanders
who walk wooded paths
through the forest.
The artist senses
the perfect time to reveal
his heart on canvas, typically
when it becomes so palpable
he can no longer harbor or
contain it within.
The author is unable
to resist passionately describing
the priceless art, sharing with
even those without sight,
or those incapable of perceiving
what she sees with her heart.