heralding the spring

spring tree budding
small yellow nodules
swell importantly
announcing their news
to the waiting earth
the world is still turning
new life is at hand
within each swelling bud
neat bundles of growth
jostle importantly
and fold themselves
into careful order
ready to unfurl
like small green flags
and herald the rising spring
and all is crisp and fresh
and hopeful and clean
and the last chill drops
of winter rain
splash importantly
onto the swelling buds
and scatter their virtuous
blessing into cold wet
puddles all around
and drain into the rich soil
with abundant joy
and nodding importantly
the spring tree budding
swells and shakes
in pregnant wonder
as the small yellow nodules
gather their strength
and prepare to break forth
in new life once more