The Backyard

A view of nature, in the backyard, the owner views the display through a window.

The Backyard

By Bert Haagenstad

The Day The Sun Came Out Three weeks of cloud-filled skies. During those weeks we had two heavy snowfalls. Mid-afternoon, the clouds parted, and the Sun sent rays of light and the much-needed warmth. I sat near a window overlooking the backyard, wrapped two down-filled quilts. Three layers of a sort of clothes. My feet were resting on a chair, which I had placed near the burning fireplace, for that very reason. Icicles hung from the eaves on the back porch. Soon drops of melted ice dropped from the tips of the icicles. I found myself watching the rhythm of the drops. It was as if they were playing a tune. I dismissed the idea.
I saw squirrels appearing from their nest and holes high in the oaks. The hooped about the wind-packed snow. They played, rolled about and chased each other. They made me laugh and smile. Birds collected around the bird-feeders. Larks, what seemed like hundreds of sparrows, gold finches, a couple of Robins, and even some Blue Jays. Their antics and little temper tantrums brought forth more smiles and laughter, as I basked in the beautiful display in the yard and in the trees. I spotted the neighbor's cat, Oscar. He crouched low and moved slowly toward the feeders. He was focused on a potential meal, if he was lucky. Slowly he advanced halfway across the yard. Moving closer, almost in range. Ravings appeared, diving at Oscar’s head. He tried to ignore them, but each dive was closer than the one before. Then one actually pecked his head.
The hunt was over, Oscar ran for cover under the old boat turned upside-down in the yard. The boat reminded me of the fun we once had, and I cherish so deeply. You and me floating for hours, holding each other, and the kisses that made me melt, just like the icicles still hang from the eaves. They continued to melt into the evening. Without the warmth of the Sun, the drops stopped until tomorrow if the Sun cames out. The birds slowly decreased in number until sunset, then the yard went silent and dark. I remained wrapped in my layers of clothes and quilts. My feet were warm being so near the fireplace. I slept and dreamed of you. So, many wonderful memories we made and share. I hope the Sun comes out, and there are no clouds, so, once again, I can watch the beauty and majesty of natural as it plays out in the backyard. For now, I will dream, as dreamers do.