I want to capture the essence of the first days of spring here on the island. I know, it doesn’t officially begin until March 20th, but we live on a semi-tropical island so there is a bit of a “jump start” to the season for us. I’m visiting different places in the area today to show you the beautiful flowers that are beginning to bloom.
Azaleas in all their different colors and varieties abound. They form hedges that grace the lawns of homes on the island. My favorite are the white azaleas. The fragile blooms appear like lace on the ends of branches. They don’t last for long, but their beauty is breathtaking while they are here with us.
Down the street from our home grows the most glorious Bradford pear tree. It doesn’t bear fruit, but bursts with beautiful white blossoms this time of year. It canopies over the street, gently dropping tiny petals that gather on the pavement like snowflakes.
The marshes are beginning to regain their color as well. The dull brown they wear in colder months is turning to rich golds and shades of green as the warmer March winds begin to blow.
I have long been a lover of Emily Dickinson and her poetry. I especially love this one, entitled “A Light Exists In Spring”. It seems appropriate for season!
A Light exists in Spring
Not present on the Year
At any other period —
When March is scarcely here
A Color stands abroad
On Solitary Fields
That Science cannot overtake
But Human Nature feels.
It waits upon the lawn;
It shows the furthest tree
Upon the furthest slope we know;
It almost speaks to me.
Then, as horizons step,
Or noons report away,
Without the formula of sound,
It passes, and we stay:
A quality of loss
Affecting our content,
As trade had suddenly encroached
Upon a sacrament.
Emily Dickinson
Maybe it’s because March is the month of my birth, but spring is, without doubt, my favorite time of year. Of course, I feel the same way when Autumn arrives. It’s difficult not to love all of the different seasons here on our island. What a glorious place to call home!
2 Responses
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Gwyn Says:
The same transformations are taking place in Gainesville, as I’m sure you remember. We’ve hardly had a winter. It was warm for stretches of time very early and everything started to bud and bloom, only to be frozen by several blasts from the north. But now it seems like overnight the trees are beginning to leaf out and color is returning! It is a glorious season (except for the pollen-which is what makes things grow, so I shouldn’t complain.
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Melissa Says:
We’re loving the beauty of it all here! So glad you’re following the blog, Gwyn.
