february comes
broadleaf demons wake from soil
rude noise      demands toil

This lovely, green creature came up in my garden last week, reminding me of this haiku, first published in Promise Magazine (Purple Rose Publications, 2001).

I think this is a dandelion. Soon, a yellow bloom will tell. Then perhaps: tea.

The coming of the Winter Solstice on December 21st with its returning light, and the day I first spot a broadleaf demon growing in the yard are two of my favorite days of the year, meaning spring is coming. But my most favorite day is the day I hear the cranes returning, their lilting chatter calling me out to whoop and holler with that glorious vee in the sky.