Now and then

Even now as the days grow longer
snow has fallen across the land

Yesterday I counted empty birds’ nests
in the trees high above the railway line

Today they are lined with pure white snow
no place in which to lay an egg or raise a family

But soon the icy beds will melt away
and spring will usher in the mating game

then crows and magpies and pigeons
and more will begin to strut their stuff

and the air will be alive with love : then
the whole of nature will change its tune

roses in their beds will bloom and in a frenzy
the humble bee will make all the honey it can

John Lyons