Frozen Lake

Near the frozen lake,

dapper in a speckled suit

and mane of fire,

a red-bellied woodpecker

swoops to his nest

in the overcup oak

sending a drumbeat call

to his mate.  

Near the frozen lake

a belted kingfisher 

in powder blue

skims above the water 

with a rattling call,

gliding to his burrow

with gifts of fish 

bones for his mate.

Near the frozen lake

I hold my breath

as I wait for the calls

deep in the forest chapel,

and watch for the colors

of my spirit, 

keeping the door open

for the beautiful. 

R.W. Emerson quote: Nature always wears the colors of the spirit.