A clear sky with a chill

Deer foraging, small shoots

of green grass, lingering still

Some settled on ground

in the growing warmth

of the rising sun

It wasn’t a quack

more of a squawk

as we approached the pond

half in shade from the

trees along the trail

Sun rising, bright for the morning

few clouds to measure the light

birds a plenty flitting from tree to tree

not loud, faintly heard chirping

almost unrecognized

Morning was quiet

as if birds were keeping secrets

flitting from branch to branch

across the field as we hiked

morn chill, but not cold

frost thick on grass, leaves crunching

sun rising gradually over the hog back.

Shadows retreating

we started down the trail