We’ve Waited Three Months for the Return of Winter

Mother Nature has been messing with us
She gave us a right jab of winter
when the Polar Vortex visited
over Christmas weekend
then she withheld another blow
through most of January and February
as the daylight lengthened
and temperatures continued
to average 10-20 degrees 
above normal

Finally when the optimists 
thought Winter may have missed us
and trees, flowers, and bushes
bloomed earlier than ever,
a scant sprinkling of measurable snow fell,
as did the temperatures for more than a week.
Fruit crops are in danger for the next two nights.

Despite what the calendar and equinox say,
Spring will officially arrive today where  that night
may be the death knell for many a tender peach blossom.

Child’s Peach Orchard, Crozet, VA on 18 March 2023, I have heard that the blossoms may be protected from frost if they are encased in ice before they freeze.

Judas or Red Bud trees from a previous year