ODE TO SPRING

ODE TO SPRING – In April, the first Cherry Blossoms bloom and birds flit about--where cold rain gives way to successive days of clear skies--prior to the onset of June gloom. This time of year my memories revert back to a more pastoral time of life, with high meadows, box canyons, mountain jays, mule deer, gnarled juniper and Indian paint brush … of a high altitude Continental Divide. When I’m feeling wistful, I sit on my outdoor balcony, overlooking Glen Park, in San Francisco. When I’m there; I see any number of finches, squirrels, hummingbirds and even the occasional fly. I’m always surprised how few flies, mosquitoes or mayflies are here in the city. Spring symbolism holds deep meaning as I’m reminded (once again) that I’m a country boy living in the big city. Perhaps that’s why I will always be sentimental for garden gnomes, hummingbird feeders, seed cakes, sweet pea vines and bird baths. A mini-vacation (if only in my mind and only for a moment) far away from a landscape of zero lot-lines, streets with pot holes, storm drains that flow into the bay and handi-cap accessible ramps etched into sidewalks corners. ‘Of beechen green, and shadows numberless, singest of summer in full-throated ease.’ Excerpt taken from Ode to a Nightingale by John Keats circa 1819.