Spring—the subtlest of seasons

“And suddenly the season that had seemed so tentative before   Becomes immediate, so clear the heart breaks and the vibrant   

Air is laced with crystal wires leading back from hell.”

Excerpt from ”The Late Wisconsin Spring” by John Koethe

This year I may have gained a new appreciation for Spring. It’s always been my least favorite season, though probably only because other seasons have more to offer. Summer has the warmest weather, which I love. And as a teacher, it’s a nice long break from the grind. In fall the weather is still nice, the scenery is never-ending eye candy, and it’s my birthday, so what’s not to love? Winter, despite its hardships and treachery, also has its beauty. Winter is when we celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas, my favorite holidays. With the shorter hours of daylight and cold temperatures, it’s often a time of rest and reflection.

But spring is unpredictable and messy. Temperatures creep into the 40’s, giving Minnesotans hope the snow will melt and the lakes will thaw once more. The mud comes, but we bear it, for it’s the price to pay to not have three layers of clothing anymore. But then it plunges below freezing and we’re walloped with a snowstorm. A few days later it warms and the dirt roads and driveways become soft again, and mud tries to claim our tires, but we are used to this and usually prevail. Weeks stretch by and we see temps in the 50’s, and the shorts and sandals come out and the winter clothing is packed away. Then one day Mother Nature decides we are getting too comfortable with our hopes of spring, and sends us a wee bit more snow—just enough to screw up the roads again and make us wish we hadn’t taken the window scraper out of our car quite yet. Then once again the sun shines and the air warms…and the mud returns. At this point, I’m over it. I simply wish the weather would pick one, and either give us cold enough temperatures to keep the muck at bay, or keep us warm in order to dry out. I am the queen of not being able to make a decision, and even I say no more indecisiveness.

Yet this year I feel differently. Perhaps it’s too soon; perhaps it’s my age, or maybe how long and cold this winter felt, but I’m feeling grateful. Spring asks us to be observant and appreciate the small things, as it has subtle changes which require great attention. Tiny buds on the trees…the reddening of the pussy willows…the warmth of the sun…the first robin…the yellow marsh marigolds blooming in ditches along the roads…the freezing nights and warm days causing the maple syrup to run. Most importantly, spring brings with it hope, lifting the spirits after a long, dreary winter. It allows me to dream of summer, and long, warm, lazy days. Like the yin and the yang, we must have the moments of darkness to appreciate the light.

What’s your favorite season? Do you live somewhere without seasons? Drop a comment below! 

Happy Spring Dreamers! 🌼🌷🌼

If you are interested, here is the link to the full poem quoted above. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/48110/the-late-wisconsin-spring