Spring
Mom always watched for Robins to come home after the harsh realities of winter had began to fade. She said Robins were the first sign that spring was surely on its way. While having my coffee the other morning I sat looking out the large windows in my dining room and the yard was full of Robins. It was about 20 degrees and snowing a little. But those little birds, so busy pecking at the ground with their lovely red breasts puffed out, warmed my heart and gave me hope that yes indeed, spring was coming.
A few days later the sun was shining and the air had warmed. I saw Blue Birds...not Blue Jays. Those beautiful little birds with their bright blue feathers and rusty red breasts. They were flitting here and there around the yard. The males were scuffing with each other over the attentions of one lovely little female who sat and watched...totally unconcerned. For she knew the best would win.
I noticed flowers were beginning to pop their noses out of the still half frozen earth and squirrels were bouncing from tree to tree. Spring! A time of warmth and renewal. The awakening of nature from its long winter's nap. "Hope springs eternal" and how could hope not spring forth from within us, as such sights present themselves at winter's end and spring's arrival?
Of course today it is back to cold with a few lingering snow flurries, but I'm not worried. I know it is only winter's last hurrah. The birds have told me so and they are never wrong.
ŠElizabeth Melton Parsons