Welcome Spring
Emerged from my shrouded sleep
with childlike anticipation
T'was the first morning of spring
Reached out with my senses
eyes still closed, covers over head
(I'd reveled all winter in the dark)
The breeze wafting by my pillow
smelled not of frost but fresh earth
A misty, young dawn was breaking
Listened for sounds of spring awakening
knowing the raucous cawing crow -
harbinger of winter daybreak -
would taunt me no more
But an unnatural hush was upon the land
Then came the drone of winged warriors overhead
Not the lazy summer sound of airplanes
heard by children lying on their backs in the sun
gazing idly at clouds
No. This was a fearsome noise -
oppressive and ever-present
As I listened it was joined
by everyday city clamor
The ferry tooted its horn;
a church bell chimed;
cars began grumbling and honking;
buses wheezed and farted;
trucks rumble by
An occasional siren added to the fair
The roar of war planes
supplied the crescendo
to the symphony of an anxious city
Then, rising above it all
came birdsong
Imperious! Brazen! Audacious!
She sang out her heart
Filled the air with lovely twittering
Defied the warriors, sirens and cars
Head raised, she out-sang the disharmony
disrupting her morning ablutions
