The sun glows mellow on a warming day
A light breeze from the south caresses cattails
Down near the pond songs fill the air
Black birds chiming a chorus of red wings
Nearby a babbling stream of snow melt rushing
A melody of life, a symphony of spring.

Jim Bates is an award-winning author who lives in a small town in Minnesota. He has authored 32 books, including poetry, flash fiction, short story collections, novellas, and novels, which are available through traditional outlets.