One day it rains, one day it shines. So we learn to look for the beauty in these changes.
For example, on the way from the gym there is a gorgeous tree that has been offering its furry, green encased yellow blossoms since the days of snow. Its "owners" (I refuse to believe anyone can actually own anything living) chopped off some of its branches, added a box to encourage small wildlife to nest amongst its boughs. Every day I go by, it is a bit greener, a tad furrier. I kiss one of the almond-like promises of life, it seems to sigh and giggle.
Then, a few days ago, I noticed that many other trees and bushes are beginning to coat their clipped ends with little spots of green feathers, of pink skin, of reddish scales. They all seem to sigh and giggle, too, as I go by without a scarf, or fighting a reluctant umbrella, always beckoning me to stop for a quick caress. They know they make my smile wider, that I carry that smile on to be spread across the city. If you want to squeal and feel the cheer up and down your spine, stop and spot. They are everywhere, playing show and seek - they are not shy, just overlooked.
And yesterday, the magical pond appeared. OK, so it's not "magical" in the wandey sense; but it's appearance and disappearance is to be wondered at. Try to imagine this: there is a park/garden/recreation ground on the other side of the road - a very busy, wide, exit-of-the-city road. In this park, there is a large expanse of grass where the lines for the football field have been traced so often they remain brown and bare. Yet, this half-abandoned place (in winter at least) has a surrounding asphalted walk that has dipped at one corner... so that when it rains heavily, water accumulates and pools up. Nothing special about it, right? But the magical thing is, there are ducks!! I mean, usually there are seagulls camping all over the field, and some pigeons too; but from nowhere, there are ducks floating in the pond, preening themselves on at its edges, while the seagulls and pigeons have vanished. Where do they come from? Where are the others gone? Maybe they have metamorphosed from one fowl to another! Magic!
It may seem ridiculous to you, but it makes me chuckle, looking around me with fresh eyes to uncover the clues. So far, I have only noticed a patch of crocuses standing proud on the opposite end, untouched by dog, bird, or human alike. We are all waiting for their corollas to greet the sun, and then we'll all know for sure: Spring will have arrived.
What miracles have you seen recently that made you smile?
No comments:
Post a Comment