#wind blown

When he was just a wee fluffy young chick, Algy had been taught a traditional British saying "March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers". However, Algy felt that this must surely have originated in a quite different part of the country, because in the wild west Highlands of Scotland it would be far more appropriate to say: March winds and showers, and April winds and showers, might bring forth flowers if they are tough enough varieties, but they also bring yet more winds and showers… in May, June, July, August, etc… if indeed the kind of rain that drenched the west Highlands throughout the year could correctly be called "showers" at all, which Algy doubted…

On this particular Friday morning, however, the term April showers was not entirely inaccurate, although there had been persistent rain in the night as usual, for between the bouts of precipitation the sun actually managed to shine sporadically, with a bright spring light which at times was almost dazzling. But the wind was another matter… Relentless as ever, it found its way into even the most secluded spots, and showed no intention of abating.

However, the tulips were flowering despite the wind, and Algy was loath to miss their glowing colours, which looked especially good when they were illuminated. So as soon as the sun deigned to emerge from behind the dismal clouds, Algy hurried over to a supposedly sheltered corner where some large pots were filled with the beautiful flowers, and perched rather uncomfortably on the edge of another pot, which was home to a very spiky rose bush…

Jess, last days of summer, Riverside, RI, 2023

Wind Blown Blue Twighlight  -  Flora McLachlan

British , b. 1974 -

Wind Blown

Photography by William Mortensen

Pistol River State Park, OR