sunshine after gray rain

sunshine this morning after gray

days of sudden, intense showers

how dependent we humans are

on that sparkle of warmth and light

for inner joy to give us hope

rain gauge

oregon rain creates bleak chill

even when spring should dwarf

all efforts to dampen sunshine

our spirits droop, even knowing

dust devils will soon dervish—

whirl all thought of grays

and stir our longing for mist

and the soothing respite of dew

and she can get crankier

chill morning, un-summerlike

odd weather for mid-June

in a year of unexpected heat

too early in the season

as though Grandma Nature

were getting cranky in her old age

awkward spring

  a few days of sun

warm enough to stay outdoors

to replant seedlings and sprinkle

seeds over disturbed slopes

in hopes of roots to hold the hills

and grace with flowers

but this morning heavy dew

and promise of rain

even hint of scattered thunder

spring’s awkward finding balance                                  

unwarranted conclusion

unwarranted conclusion

full moon and frost on pine limbs

stubbled lawn glints blue-white

convincing me just after midnight

of the season’s unpredicted first snow