Lindera benzoin,
for the aromatic gum, identified apropos in the fasting season, this leafless tree, bending, deeply from the hip. The bark grey dappled with light lenticels, so to breathe, as we transition Imbolc and the feast of the purification at Candlemas.
A bald eagle greets with a shriek, perched on another leafless tree, perhaps a trend? The yellow ovate leafs of autumn, fallen, littered to the ground. A deer hind shows the white center, and drops and nimbles up the rhododendron thicket, thinking herself so clever.
“The trees of the Sun Most High are full of sap; the cedars of white mountains, which he hath planted;” Praise Sun 104:16 These the remembered days, golden low winter light. Buds closed on thin flexible branches. Unable to keep still, pulsating swollen ready to burst. Strong scent of pine and frankincense, delightful with cinnamon and camphor as per its familiar aspect, Lauraceae family with first cousin sassafras nearby asserting the recent snowed lightning shooting spice.
Vital force moves upward from the ground, meeting sky. I wanted to tell you all these things. Our hobbled bodies for an instant passionate and certain.
We do well to imitate the leafless benzoin, muted with warmth. To drink a cup of tea, and taste the soon to be yellow flowers of spring.
Melting ice will you remember to save me a few brilliant red drupes?
