Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Sounds and silence


The sound of peepers fills the air.
With my eyes still closed in the dark of a cool, spring morning,
like sleigh bells through the field grass, their distant chime forecasts another warming day.




For weeks I’ve driven past the still snow-covered fields, each time, looking for a change—
a sign that this winter, longer than most and having left layer upon layer of snow, would lessen its hold. And along the trail, I’ve followed the footsteps of deer, whose tracks, preserved in snow, lie beside those of the coyote, though I know they pass here, each in their own time.

Horned Lark, Eremophila alpestris

Eastern Bluebird, Siala sialis

In the dark before dawn, I’ve heard the woodcock calling,
while, from the basin which I call Little Pond, wood frogs have begun to quack incessantly.
It is these sounds of spring, that speak for those most silent.
Who, drawn to the cool, clear waters of their birth,
with flashes of their long, spotted bodies, yet say, "spring."

Spotted Salamander, Ambystoma maculatum




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17 comments:

bobbie said...

A very beautiful post.

KaHolly said...

So poetic! And true. Your gift of expression really comes out in this lovely post. I, too, am yearning for spring, although I still have a little longer to wait for these subtle signs! Watching the red-breasted mergansers "strut their stuff" in the harbor out front, and the single song sparrow, are my only harbingers of spring thus far. ~karen

Heather said...

Fabulous pics of the spotted salamander! I've missed your posts!

Ginnymo said...

I love this post Nina! Love the photos and especially the salamander ones. I've never seen one myself. I am so glad spring is showing itself all over. Take care.

Cicero Sings said...

It's been a while but nice to see a lovely post from yourself appear. Spring is popping around here, about a month ahead of time!

Marvin said...

Spring is arriving here in fits and starts. Beautiful post.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

So glad to hear that it is beginning to thaw out up your way. I bet that salamander thought your hand was really warm. I have yet to see one of these cuties. I need to get out at night. I don't often do that.

holdingmoments said...

Winter has released its grip here now, thankfully.
What a beautiful creature the Spotted Salamander is. Never seen one before.

LauraHinNJ said...

I'm so glad to see you back with this hint of spring!

Murr Brewster said...

Ahhhhh! Ahhhhhh! I'm putting a spotted salamander in my novel. Pretty sure he'll be a spotted.

Gail said...

Nina, This is a beautiful post~prose and photos, gail

Unknown said...

You have the best posts: words and photos. You capture a moment and pull us in every time.

Riley said...

New reader. Just wanted to say thanks for the pics and poetic words I've read so far. Wonderful. Looking forward to more. Cheers!

Deborah Carr said...

Peepers already? We are WEEKS away from ours, although I startled a polliwog in the ditch today. Or he startled me...the first geese just flew overhead two days ago, although we still have ice in the pond.

Mary said...

Why, he's SMILING at me !

The Unusual Farmchick said...

I have lived in Ohio for 12 years now and have yet to see a salamander. I enjoyed seeing your pics. I grew up in Florida and miss seeing the lizards I played with as a child. Thank you for sharing these with us. I am determined now to spot one this year as we hike the trails and stream beds.

green products said...

I love the poetic kind of blogging very creative, the salamander is a real beauty, want to have one but I'm sure my mom wouldn't let me bring such lovely creature in the house