Well, it’s Earth Day, and it’s hard to feel wildly optimistic at the moment, what with assaults on the Minnesota Boundary Waters, the National Park System, and any effort at all addressing climate change. This morning I made the mistake of reading the comment section to a news story where half the commenters, it seemed, were complaining about how bike lanes steal space from folks in cars. (Yes, the top of my head temporarily blew off.)

But then I witnessed a surprising little avian miracle unfolding on my own front porch, reminding me of nature’s insistence. So. Yes. That’s what I’m here for.

Haiku 22, 2026

Potted plant as nest
Wren drops down to hidden clutch
through swaddling fronds