Garden, Early Spring

Lunch outside the office today,
catch the best of the low Spring sun.
Let the wind blast at my face -
make my tired eyes blink &; water,
clear out my head and sinuses

The silvery-blue of the evergreens,
The skeletal limbs of white-barked trees,
Wind-rush through the Douglas Firs,
Gentle rattling of the last brown leaves,
that wintered on the branches.

The sound of fountains in the distance,
Blown quieter &; louder by the wind.
Bleached and green wooden benches,
still empty as far as I can see;
sentinels as Spring advances.

Wild trees, and plants and growth,
across the path from tended beds.
Crocuses push through the leafy earth.
Gardeners tidy bush and grasses,
First visitors, exchange of glances.

Wind blows ripples under ducks,
as they swim around the island
in the pond by rustling reeds.
Green appears in the rockery,
as Spring now takes its chances.

I'm at the very furthest corner
from the unlocked entrance gate,
when I notice the dark, black rain clouds.
Sunlight fades, I head for cover and
Spring &; I end our dalliances.