A few weeks ago sleet was falling, and the sky was as gray as lead. I’m tired of this blasted cold, I thought and wished a magic carpet would spirit me away to the Caribbean.
When my friend David called, I grumbled that our ferocious winter had destroyed my garden. In the snow, my roses and fruit trees had shed their leaves, as usual, but my lavender and evergreen hebes had browned – and maybe died. My daylilies had seemed to give up and melt into the earth, and all that was left of my dahlias were bare stalks and desolation. Just looking out the window made me shrink back, discouraged.
But David insisted that all would be well. He loaned me a DVD of “The Secret Garden” to remind me that my world would bloom in spring. “You have to have hope,” he said. “Your plants are just waiting to come alive again. You’ll see.”
In my glum mood, I wasn’t sure I believed him. Though his movie did help, I still felt that the sleet might fall forever and the sky would always be gray. Clearly, needing to come alive myself, I was no different from the bare branches on my cherry tree. So you can imagine how happy I was last week when I looked out and saw that it had burst into a cloud of pink blossoms.
Today the sun is out, and the air smells of mown grass. My daffodils have elbowed the dirt around them out of the way and emerged to raise their yellow faces toward the sky. Robins, cocking their heads to listen for the rustle of worms, are hopping on my lawn. The robins are proof of hope – you know, as Emily Dickenson said, “the thing with feathers that perches in the soul.”
All winter hope was hiding in the bulbs and naked branches. I’d forgotten it was there. But resurrections happen. They’re all around us. David was right.
Nice! I needed a reminder of spring myself, and your post arrived at just the right moment. Thank you! Thanks too, for the wonderful Emily Dickenson quote.
Yes, remember spring, literally and metaphorically! Very important.
K,
After 80 degree temps a few days ago, it’s now freezing here in Kansas City and snow is predicted for tonight. My tulip magnolia tree is trying to bloom and it’s sure to get nipped. But as you point out, nature survives and sunshine can’t be far away….
Thanks for another lovely piece.
Andie
I thought of you when I read about the extended winter in the midwest, Andie. This has been a vicious year. But as Annie sang, “The sun will come out tomorrow.” Take care.
What a true and beautiful tribute to spring and hope! There is genuinely nothing quite as welcome as the first flowering trees and bulbs. Their promise of sunny days and new life do bring expectation and hope. Thank you, Kris, for this lovely reminder of the positive cycle of renewal.
Here there is a bird waiting for her eggs to hatch outside the den doors. The bluebonnets are blooming, despite a drought. Viva Spring!
You will have so much fun watching the fledglings!! And viva the bluebonnets. So beautiful they are.
For you my dear Kristin –
For, lo, the winter is past,
The rain is over and gone;
The flowers appear on the earth;
The time of the singing of birds is come,
And the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.
Lisa and Admiral
How absolutely beautiful, Lisa. The Song of Solomon! We must always remember that “winters” of all kinds do pass, and the “flowers” of life do come. I was glad to be reminded of that today! Blessings to you and Admiral.
Kristin