I can see snow on the mountains. It is far away. Snow has never piled up on my land, like it did when I was a kid.<\/p>\n
Easter has just passed, the time of resurrection and spring. Some parts of the world are still covered in snow when Easter happens.<\/p>\n
I have seen those places pick pussy willows for Easter.<\/p>\n
That was not my Easter tradition, but watching pussy willows come out was definitely a spring tradition.<\/p>\n
Winter is long and cold. The snow stays long past being fun and I could wonder when it would thaw out. I walked through the woods every day, walking through paths I’d already tramped through the snow. It looked the same as ever.<\/p>\n
Until<\/p>\n
Tiny fur buds popped along the willow switches. Willows were not even trees, only thin wands. Thin tight bumps with silver kitten toes–I would pet the fur when I saw it.<\/p>\n
Did this mean the snow would melt?<\/p>\n
What did this baby tree know? My breath blew white and this branch was growing.<\/p>\n
It didn’t always mean the snow would melt. The pussy willow would emerge, and the cold would return.<\/p>\n
The branches would go dormant again. This might happen a few times.<\/p>\n
Those willows sprouted whenever the sap started to move. And it was eager to move. They had growing to do!<\/p>\n
Eventually they would prevail. If the cold was finally gone, the pussy toes would get bigger, spraying out into a fluffy pollen spray. Leaves were right behind.<\/p>\n
I think of them now, not just because it is spring. I think of their eagerness to get out. And how they would push out even before it was fully safe to do it.<\/p>\n
I love their pioneer courage. Rush the gates! Even if thrown back it’s worth the attempt.<\/p>\n
And it’s only a plant.<\/p>\n
I am stuck waiting.<\/p>\n
Waiting.<\/p>\n
Waiting.<\/p>\n
But I know the sap will run again. I’m ready for it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I can see snow on the mountains. It is far away. Snow has never piled up on my land, like it did when I was a kid. Easter has just passed, the time of resurrection and spring. Some parts of … Continue reading