Recently a friend posted pictures of a tree
Well, part of a tree, a very small part
Leaves, emerging from a bud
The same bud, every day
A bud on a sassafras tree
The same tree; the same bud
#phenology, she tagged the images:
The study of cyclic natural phenomena
She started with magnified pictures
As the small action required
Eventually leaving that technique behind
Day by day we watched as her photos
Documented what we saw all around us
Nature’s newness emerging
Frost said, “Nature’s first green is gold”
And, of course, he was right
As a student, I knew what I was watching
A bud, formed the summer before
Covered with scales, holding embryonic leaves
Before that, meristems and apical meristems
Leaf primordia, cell division, growth
An annual process repeated over millennia
Recognizing the science, daily I let it go
Choosing instead to just enjoy the miracle
Yet There is Method 
As an environmental educator, I enjoy phenology. For example, today I made the rounds and saw that my swamp milkweed had emerged from the soil. Nature is miraculous. I am glad you reveled in the sassafrass bud your friend watched unfurl day by day. I wish more of us would stop and notice. Thank sharing both the science and the awe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
When I take kids outside (and I go myself), I love pointing out the patterns, and I love helping them discover why something has (or hasn’t) happened. Nature is, indeed, miraculous, and I’m blessed to be able to share it and to have friends who enjoy doing the same.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh sometimes to just enjoy the miraculous. I love the blend of the science and the mystery.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading and for your comments!
LikeLike
Yup. The science is SO necessary…but so is the miraculous.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes!
LikeLike
You make me hopeful that others are enjoying the miracle, hopeful that if they can, they show their children, too. I liked your leading the way in your poem for us today, Tim. It’s a good way to start my day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Linda! I love sharing nature with kids (and adults). I miss doing it as much as I did, but look forward to getting out with a group as soon as we’re able.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the balance of science and the wonder of it all, Tim. The micro and the macro. Perfect.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Christie!
LikeLike
Yes, we need both — science and the sense of wonder/mystery. I do try to observe nature closely and appreciate its many miracles, and when I study the science behind certain phenomena it’s even better.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Knowing–as much as we’re able–the why behind the wow! is always fun for me. Thanks for reading, and again for hosting this week!
LikeLike
I adore this poem. Perfect ending!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Laura!
LikeLike
What a great ending to your poem, Tim.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike