Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Oh, joy!

Evening Primrose, Oenothera biennis

I see, now, that the path has become green,
where I walk past the fields, standing brown and still, daily, back and forth.
Each time, waiting and watching for that defining moment—
the one act that, with it, brings the certainty of the emergence of spring.
While, beneath my feet, with every pass, it moves steadily forward.

Field Grasses

And from the woods, this eager green,
each day, too, grows stronger,
along each branch of the steadfast,
very first to fill the bare space.


Autumn Olive leafing out

Yet, the change, so subtle, with every day’s watching,
I barely recognize that point at which the path turned.
Until, onto brown from blue, 2 on gossamer wings tumble.
And touch briefly, as if to anoint this spot not yet woken.
And bring, with certainty, joy.


Spring Azure Butterfly, Celastrina ladon



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29 comments:

Grizz………… said...

Lovely words and really nice photos—I especially like the grass head at the top and the one of the just-greening autumn olive.

I've not noticed a butterfly around here yet, though I'm sure it's me.

Elisabeth's bright side said...

Your pictures are beautiful and with a lot of details. It takes long time to "consume" all of them. Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful - life is renewing itself once again! Sometimes I think there's a dark ancient fear we harbor far down inside that it won't. Joy indeed!!

Rune Eide said...

Butterflies...

Long time coming around here, but a real joy to see this one!

TYRA Hallsénius Lindhe said...

Joy indeed! Beautiful pictures Nina.


Tyra

gone to the dogs said...

Joy is my favorite word...now why didn't I think of that. What a beautifully writeen post.

Sylvia K said...

Beautiful post, lovely photos and words and they do bring JOY! Thank you so much for sharing the beauty and the joy!

Anonymous said...

You are longing for Sping and Summer as much as we do here in Scandinavia. Yesterday the winter came back again! I hate it now.

naturglede/Randi Lind said...

Greate photoes and worlds. Have a fun abc:)

annalarssonphotography said...

Great shots withs Joy! :)

My J is up too!
Have a fun ABC :)

Liv said...

Seeing all nature coming again also this year is the greatest JOY!

Good shots!

anthonynorth said...

I love the sense of expectation in this.

A Scattering said...

Lovely post, 'Joy' is a lovely word. It can mean a million differnt things depending on the person experiencing it.

Granny Smith said...

Joy! I think of it as unearned happiness - that just happens. Your words and photos are perfect accompaniments to one another.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Aren't those sweet little Spring Azures just to die for??? Ilove to see them flitting around. Our first butterfly of the season was a cabbage white. It was even welcomed as the first of spring.

Rinkly Rimes said...

I've said it before, I know, but your prose is pure poetry!

Anonymous said...

I envy your ability to identify the stalks of last summer. I love the butterfly photo. And I love watching spring unfold at your home. Thank you!

Tom Arbour said...

Yeah, Nina, you know you are getting good when you can start IDing dead plants in the field.

Tom

nina at Nature Remains. said...

Tom--I wish I could accept your compliments as to my good-ness--but, truth be told, I had help with that one, from a veteran naturalist who confirmed it with a botanist!
Those are connections I rely on--especially with dead plants. :-)

Tumblewords: said...

A wonderful J. The photos are lovely, the words evocative. The butterfly is astounding. I've never seen one like that.

Bradley Hsi said...

As always, nice photos and writing. A great post for "J".

Unknown said...

Wonderful 'J'.great shot with JOY.
Have a nice day.

pictureeachday said...

Such a lovely ode to spring! :D

Sherrie said...

Hi!
That's a beautiful "J" post!! That moth is beautiful!! Have a great day!

Sherrie

Jay said...

I love the butterfly appearing right at the end!

Janie said...

Beautifully said, with lovely illustrations.

Lilli & Nevada said...

All great photos but the last with the butterfly is my favorite

GreenishLady said...

Oh, so beautiful. I haven't been by in a while, and I stop in today to find such an extra share of beauty - in the words and the pictures. Thank you.

ThreadBeaur said...

Your photography is amazing! I love the early spring pictures, where everything comes alive again. Thanks for sharing your photos.