Finding Winter

When the leaves stop falling, before there is snow,

we look for the intrigue in cold, short days.

The children find it.

A walk of purpose turns to a hunt for treasures.

The bunny-soft thrill of pussy willow catkins,

chicken eggs discovered in a tree hollow, 

berries as crisp and bright as a late august bloom.

American pussy willow catkins (Salix discolor)

Winterberry, ilex verticillata