On this first day of spring,
I saw an ivory birch
Lifting a filmy red mantle of knotted buds
Above the rain-washed whiteness of her arms.

On this first day of spring,
I saw a robin strutting,
Thin, still, and fidgety,
Not like the puffed, complacent ball of feathers
That dawdles over the cidery Autumn loam.

On this first day of spring,
Up the stocky hills
Some springy shrub, a scarlet gash on the grayness,
Climbs, flaming, over the melting snows.

On this first day of spring,
The willows are young and golden,
Their tall tips flinging the sun’s rays back at him;
And as the sun drags over the tree tops,
The willows glow, the scarlet bushes burn,
The high hill birches shine like purple plumes,
A royal headdress for the brow of Spring.

It is the doubtful, unquiet end of Winter,
And Spring is pulsing out of the wakening soil.

Comments:

How beautiful, and Happy Spring!

comment by dragonflyby on Mar 22, 2008 12:26 PM ()

Thanks for stopping by! Glad to meet you, and Happy Spring to you, too! Sending you a smile....

reply by marta on Mar 22, 2008 12:58 PM ()

comment by pecan on Mar 21, 2008 1:08 PM ()

Hi! Nice to meet you! Thanks for stopping by. I love the changing seasons, and spring is extra special. It does lift my heart, especially after the long cold winter. The bright blossoming days are inspiring and something to celebrate!

reply by marta on Mar 21, 2008 2:14 PM ()

My neighbors saw two robins yesterday. I hope they brought jackets for what's coming this weekend.

comment by jondude on Mar 20, 2008 11:49 AM ()

Despite the snowy Easter weekend forecast here in northwest Ohio, dear Jon, spring has sprung in my heart!

reply by marta on Mar 20, 2008 3:26 PM ()

Beautiful words and pictures. It's been spring here for a while. WE start early down here.

comment by teacherwoman on Mar 20, 2008 9:18 AM ()

Oh, you lucky souls! Our snow can just be seen in the shady spots, but it continues to melt and will soon be gone. The leaf buds in the trees are swelling with happiness!

reply by marta on Mar 20, 2008 9:25 AM ()

although it is chilly here today I know it can only get better from now on. my forsythia is blooming and its gorgeous! I have seen a few robins bouncing around in my yard.

comment by elkhound on Mar 20, 2008 8:04 AM ()

I love forsythia! It is so cheerful and exuberant. Today's sky is brilliant blue here, a stunning sunny start to spring with warmer days to come for sure!

reply by marta on Mar 20, 2008 9:00 AM ()

The golden hue of spring is the most difficult hue to maintain. Lovely, Martha--the robin, harbinger of spring, is beckoning!

comment by angiedw on Mar 20, 2008 7:50 AM ()

May we all celebrate spring's new growth, hopeful beginnings and endless positive possibilities in our own spirits and lives!

reply by marta on Mar 20, 2008 9:07 AM ()