Suddenly Exuberant!

Expectation flings itself into the
very air we breathe as we set out
into a woodland ramble. The ineffable
fragrance of spring tantalizes our
winter-wan sensibilities. Even those
prevailing winds, so cuttingly cruel in
dark months of bitter cold, ice and the
gentler persuasions of snow covering
the landscape has recalibrated
its ferocity, become even-tempered.

Snow is fast escaping into melt,
funnelling down hills into the valleys
hosting rivulets, creeks and streams,
all rushing pell-mell into rivers and lakes
and ultimately the seas themselves,
succumbing toward a gentler, kinder
atmosphere we dream of in dark months.

The bare limbs and branches of
deciduous trees recall their spring
and summer glory of green canopies
and sap begins to stir from roots to
trunk. Maple trees invite gentle
taps in exchange for sweet syrup.
Small, furry creatures rejoice,
abandoning winter shelter to
seek more clement pastures.

Migrating birds infuse the newly
receptive arras with their transcendent
spring trills. Spare pickings at
first of dried seeds, cones, berries
and hawes, but a finer feeding theatre
awaits on the near horizon of time.

We watch chickadees hesitate,
swoop low on branches in response
to our quiet shhshhshh, anticipating
the seeds and nuts we leave behind.
Those they descend, condescend to
claim, they fly off with, firmly secured
in tiny beaks. All others destined to
become the prized possession of grey,
black and red squirrels, chipmunks.

Where snow and ice have receded
bright green moss and ferns
celebrate their release. Lichens, grey
and green, tan and pearl, stipple, patch
and decorate tree branches. Conifers
hold aloft their brightly needled flags.

The clamour of silent cheers that
infuse all living things as nature
progressed toward Spring Equinox
enlivens these days of ever-fresh
anticipation; from subdued to
suddenly ebulliently exuberant!