Quote of the Day: Spring
“When spring came, after that hard winter, one could not get enough of the nimble air. Every morning I wakened with a fresh consciousness that winter was over. There were none of the signs of spring for which I used to watch in Virginia, no budding woods, or blooming gardens. There was only–spring itself; the throb of it, the light restlessness, the vital essence of it everywhere; in the sky, in the swift clouds, in the pale sunshine, and in the warm, high wind–rising suddenly, sinking suddenly, impulsively and playful like a big puppy that pawed you and then lay down to be petted. If I had been tossed down blindfolded on that red prairie, I should have known in was spring.”
Willa Cather – My Antonia
It’s amazing how the different seasons really do have a different feel to them. Winter kept clawing to stick around, but finally spring was able to overcome. All of a sudden there is birdsong in the air and the smell of earth rises up to meet you as walk around. There are tiny bits of green showing through the dull brown grass. Insects can be seen fluttering about in the sunshine. You can almost feel it in the air.
What do you notice most when spring arrives in your garden? smell? sight? warmth?
Filed under Quote | Comments (3)
I think for me it’s the sound–all the new birds returning, listening for the latest arrivals each day, and even hearing the bugs and worms stirring in the soil when I go out for one last listen at night. It’s like I have to re-tune my brain to process so many noises after a quiet winter.
to S's comment
Susy, I have to agree with commenter “S”. Sounds are what I look forward to the most. The night time windows are open here and life is good when one can wake up to bird opera in the morning. For years I have had a bird that would sing me awake every morning then about a couple years ago it just quit. This year I heard a bird with a similar chorus wake me up but only once. I’m hoping that will continue as it did all those years before. A close second would be the smell of the soil waking up from the winter slumber. It just seems like it has been rejuvenated and is ready to grow what comes its way. Spring is such a wonderful time and is my favorite time of the year.
Have a great Maine Spring day in the garden.
to Nebraska Dave's comment
All Three! :) Lovely poem!
to Chris's comment