Spring Song

SPRING SONG When this lovely vale begins to spring back to life Crocuses in blue and yellow unfold their tender petals And reach wide-fingered for the warming sunshine While the daffodils jostle for attention in the breeze. The sleeping meadow grass is roused to growth. My pastures are filled again with sheep calling their lambs; And calves and kittens play with illimited energy, singing to me In vigorous voices of gladness and joy and exuberance. Their songs are carried on the warm fresh air breezing in from the sea As I cock an ear for the strains of the neighbour’s bagpipes. My lilacs spread out their new dresses of white and mauve, and Young pared apple trees over my porch know that it is time to blossom into Brides with white confetti littering their feet along my path. The swallows are coming back from the south to rebuild their weathered nests And the pruned cherry trees are coiled springs heavy with scented pink blooms, Preparing themselves to pour their fruits into my waiting arms. Through my open window come the bagpipe melody and scent of lilac And the creaking of growth in the earth as my roots renew and deepen, And I know that I am nestled in this lovely vale as deeply as my heart Is implanted in my family’s growth and profusion.