Snowy Oak
(thoughts on Earth Day)
wanting to be green
in a world trying to turn green,
as a plastic bag floats past
in a cool April breeze,
a snowy oak stands lifeless
yet speaks of change
conditions deranged
the range of fluctuations
absurd, have you heard?
dropping butts on the trail,
deniers spread the word
of normal weather
whether or not it’s true
they haven’t a clue
but you know better
as you pick up litter
on a trail by a lifeless oak
Being from Western New York, I’m accustomed to seeing an occasional late-April snowfall, and I was reminded of those while walking at Runge Conservation Area in Jefferson City, Missouri, two days ago. Usually, snowfall here at any time of the year is gone within a couple of days or less, as temperature fluctuations are common. This day was no exception, as we’d had 60º days just prior, and 50º the next day – and we’re expecting 80º by next week. As the snow turned to rain, the inch-and-a-half that had fallen was gone within eight hours of the first snowflake. Temperature fluctuations may be common here, but I’m still reminded of how unpredictable weather has become. Okay, science has made short range predictions more reliable, but the patterns certainly have become erratic, causing extreme weather conditions at times, a point of note for Earth Day 2021.
~ Day 22 ~
Image source: clipartart.com
rivrvlogr 
I was laughing at all the snow pictures family and friends were posting in Buffalo. Definitely do not miss it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah. I’ve gotten my share via text. Don’t miss it at all.
LikeLike
This one is an interesting mix of “call into nature” and “call to clean up nature” … love your image. Sad when a tree dies. (I’m in the process of approvals to remove a dead live-oak from my front yard – a tree that feels like family – very sad – out on trails the trees get to remain in place until they drop; in urban areas they pose hazards to homes and passing traffic thus have to go. Wish mine could stand and collect snow for a few more years. I got some gorgeous photos of snow on its bare limbs during our Feb winter storm.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. This 40 acre nature area is in the state capital, near Conservation headquarters, so it’s pretty well managed. They’ll only take down what’s hindering the growth of other trees/plants. There are a handful of old/retired oaks, but there are 4 times as many healthy ones, many of them this size.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m with the real greenin 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
People are careless with both their litter and the energy of their lives. So much beauty still left in these branches.
I had to search through the boxes for my winter coat 2 days ago, though we had no snow. Today, back to 70 degrees again…(k)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Spin-the-wheel weather
LikeLiked by 1 person