I had been looking for spring…

I had been looking for spring in the woods 

and in my heart.

I noticed the red blossoms of the maple,

Bulging and vibrant against the bright blue sky.

My heart felt weak and drained of color. 

I had been looking for spring beneath my feet

And in my body.

I felt the soil soften, absorbing melting snow 

And spring rains.

My body was lethargic and unyielding.

I had been looking for spring in the pond

And in my imagination.

Little clumps of frog eggs growing bigger and bigger

Until one day they were tadpoles.

My thinking seemed sticky and clumsy.

I had been listening to spring

Appreciating the peeper’s lullaby as I fell asleep in the evening.

Waking to the joyful trill of the robin inviting me to each new day. 

Bathing in the cacophony of sound and life,

longing to feel its animating force within me as I witness it around me.

I had been looking for spring in the garden beds

And in my spirit. 

When I tasted the first sprig of asparagus,

the flavor of new life. 

My yearning grew stronger and brighter.

Finally, yesterday, I noticed that spring is literally at my doorstep.

A robin has built her nest in the “twig wreath” on the front door.

As I watched her sitting proudly atop her creation,

my heart cracked open and the world rushed in.  

Welcome spring. Welcome life.