down in the valley

'Along Best Road' 24x36" oil pastel on panel;  Kathleen Faulkner

It is tulip season in the valley.  

Flocks of humans in cars come from everywhere to see the brilliant colors. 

This is when the locals stay home.  

The last time I saw these poplars was in March.  It was a cold northwest day;  the daffodils were just coming on.  

This is the image I'll probably have in my mind until May.

reflection

'Pathway'  29x32"  oil pastel;  Kathleen Faulkner

Robert passed in September, 2001.  It was a sad winter that year.  

I've always missed him most though, in April.   

April Has Turned Cold

April has turned cold.

The evening light fades through the clouds.

A string of geese calls me out

to sing a farewell, and

I wish them luck as they go from Ish River,

away out over the ocean,

long, long sweeps of rippling wings

bound for Siberia.

Their wild song they take with them, 

and leave some behind.

They leave enough so

I don't have to leave home any more.

Robert Sund

poem from SHACK MEDICINE