Springtime

I noticed you this morning as I passed by; you in your T-shirt and shorts,
Me hugging my open jacket across my chest.
I huffed out a short breath just to see the brief cloud of white exhaust,
Proving my assessment of the frigid temperature made more sense than yours.

I stopped and took note of your patterned colors as you alit on the tip of a new blossom.
You first caught my eye with your graceful flirting flutter.
I thanked God for your beauty and watched as you took flight.
Warmed by your wonder I walked on in the chilly breeze.

You may have thought I didn't see you as you stood stiffly still,
You and your partner, holding your breath until I had safely passed.
But, you forgot how boldly the crimson on your wings contrasts with the handsome black of the rest of you.
You have no camouflage, but you needed none with me.

Garage sale ad columns in the newspaper aren't blank anymore,
And ants make crazy traffic patterns on my kitchen floors and counters.
The weeds are popping up with their yearly threat to take over my garden,
Way before the garden center in town holds its grand opening for the season.

I've stolen a few sit-ins with you, Sun, trying to jumpstart a tan,
In spite of kite-condition gusts that make me shiver when the sun hides under a cloud.
My toe nails get a coat of color as the sandals come out of hibernation.
I may have to don that heavier sweater, but my pretty toes will sacrifice at the altar of fashion.

I love you, Spring, with your newness and promise of heat,
The comfortable air makes it easier to stop and gaze at the wonders of the outside,
But how you tease! One day making me take my coat off and the next
day sending me back into the house for socks and longer sleeves.

A harbinger of good things ahead, I celebrate you.
May your Creator spread newness and warmth into my soul.
You remind me that mourning is over;
It's time to rejoice!