Mid March

the straggly long forsythia branches have begun to bud

and a step or two behind, the daffodils

have pushed through the soil

clamoring for space

two small rhododendron

the ones the deer love

are still wrapped in their winter burlap

it’s almost time to free them

around the corner

a woodpecker hammers at a tree

and his sound echoes amid

chirps and cheeps and chirring of small birds

it’s been a mild winter

and this afternoon I’m warm enough

with just a light sweater

as I walk to the mailbox

a bright cardinal zips past me

disappears into a chunk of brush

today corona virus was declared an international pandemic

so much has changed

so much has not

                                                            Kate Lydon Varley