Purple Catkins Signal Spring’s Quiet Arrival

Weeks of rain soaked the fields, shrinking walks and filling boots with cold water.
Still, spring hints appear along the stream lined with alder trees.
Their bare branches glow with maroon mist from dangling purple catkins.
These catkins formed last summer and now stretch open with warming days.
Soon they will burst with yellow pollen, feeding early queen bees.
Alders bloom before most trees, even before their round leaves appear.
Their spent cones cling beside new catkins, rattling softly in the wind.
These hardy trees thrive in wet, poor soil and enrich damaged landscapes.
Alders even strengthen when wet, supporting cities, clogs, and history.