As usual we give our thanks to Katie O’Neil for her constant supply of excellent poetry and insightful commentary. Poetry and Spring seem to go together! KC
Spring is a hard season to fully embrace, since it keeps oscillating between warmth and cold. It’s often hard to keep doing everything you have on your list–the social obligations, the quality family time, the personal creative projects & edification, the charity work. But of course, it’s so important to try to get everything done while you can, as we never know what will happen tomorrow. Using each day wisely, virtuously and happily is such an essential goal to strive for, even as mud, rain and fog slow you down.
The ultimate classic piece for this time of year is Herrick’s [1591-1674] ‘To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time’:
Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, Old Time is still a-flying; And this same flower that smiles today Tomorrow will be dying. The glorious lamp of heaven, the sun, The higher he’s a-getting, The sooner will his race be run, And nearer he’s to setting. That age is best which is the first, When youth and blood are warmer; But being spent, the worse, and worst Times still succeed the former. Then be not coy, but use your time, And while ye may, go marry; For having lost but once your prime, You may forever tarry.
And another great piece is ‘The argument of the Hesperides’ by Herrick again: