Juncos

Sometimes the signs of the season are not obvious, until they are brought to our attention.

I hear the cat chitter,

The special sound he only makes

For birds.

The juncos are back in town.

They always look like there*s a special occasion,

Dark grey suits with white shirts,

No tie.

It is hard to tell that winter waits.

No snow.

Two stray purple clematis blossoms

Have survived the frost.

Meanwhile we mark time

To Christmas.

Two candles on the Advent wreath.

We mark time

With the juncos.

They are dressed for the banquet

At the King*s table,

At the Baby*s christening.

They wait on the lawn

For the vine out front

To return to winter mode.

They wait

For the snow.

They wait for the banquet,

The baby.

They are already dressed.