Didn't we miss
lots of seasons that time.
Wasn't it mostly dark and darker?
The sameness of things was hard to stomach.
Snowdrops, daffodils and crocuses
gave us colder days,
but we loved their coats and colours.
Now you notice the morning light
getting earlier and earlier.
The birdsong is welcome,
you nearly hold your breath to listen,
you never knew nature
and the seasons meant so much.
The buds are peeping
and popping.
Cherry blossom with its pink gush and blush
is ahead of you on all journeys -
pick-ups and drop-offs
walks to the local beach.
The tadpoles are busy.
The caterpillar move is slow
but it is on,
entire families of them.
The bees are coming
looking for nectar.
We are nicer
looking for nectar too.
We are smiling -
hope is hanging around
seedlings are sprouting
spring is here.
Rita Ann Higgins
from 'The Long Weekend' 2024