Winter Sun

Two warm sunny hours
On a winter afternoon
While the river stands still
At the turn of its tide
Young widgeon float
With blind excitement
Along the river’s margin
In twos and threes and fours
Exploring every direction
Into an unknown future

Then I watched it happen
Like a yawn or a sigh it spread
Through the whole population
Not one bird was left out
First one then another was infected
By a neck stretch, flapping wings
Tail wags and a bath
As if to let spring know
It is safe to come now

These ancient movements
That offer modern survival
Are practiced under winter sun
Birds, bugs, buds and flowers
All do what life needs done
To honor spring’s arrival
And flourish without thought
As life’s longing sighs