SIGNS OF SPRING
     by Hilma (Volcano) Volk

The buttercups are pushing up
Through the patches of melting snow.
The willows are tinged in yellow.
Streams are swollen with the flow.

Least three calves were born this morn.
Dozens more about to pop.
The cows got through the winter well.
It'll be a good calf crop.

The ducks are dabblin' in the pond.
The swallows are back again.
I'm walkin' to the ranch house
In the cold and pourin' rain.

For the surest sign of spring of all
Is not the leaves in bud.
But two miles back, its my 4x4
Buried up to it's axles in mud.