North Woods En Plein Air

Piled-up cumuli
in scudding rows
above undulating hills

May's leafless limbs
basking languorously
in season's early warmth

skeletal scaffolding
bleakly beautiful
with sterile white trunks

sporadic color
in red maple blossoms
and guaranteed evergreens

all ready in waiting
optimistic again
for Spring's transcendent return.

Big Eyes

What do they see
her big, bright eyes
with increasing focus

mixed visions
of static shapes
moving images

color-splashed spots
familiar faces
snuggling places

unblinking stare
seeking identity
with charmed relations

mirroring smiles
while sharing
unabashed happiness.