Straddling the Seasons

Earlier this evening, I looked at the weather forecast 

for the next ten days. Apparently the temperatures will remain 

approximately the same throughout, in the 30s, 

as we leave winter and enter spring. Clouds have covered

my part of the country for quite some time. There has been no contrast;

everything, every damn thing seems gray, so my camera remains

in my pocket because there is no contrast, no shadow.

I am looking for the graceful line of a tree branch with buds

emerging, the palest turn of color to signify the awakening

of the Earth. It's there. Almost.

I went back to some pictures I took a couple weeks

ago to find a bright pink sunrise. The sun emerging from the treeline

in the top picture did not beat the teachers to the elementary

school, some of whom were already getting ready for their students.

The frost would still be on the soccer field when they arrived.