Spring!

Spring!

By Rainer Maria Rilke

Spring!  And Earth is like a child

who has learned many poems by heart.

For the trouble of that long learning

she wins the prize.

Her teacher was strict.  We loved the white

of the old man's beard.  Now we can ask her

the many names of green, of blue,

and she knows them, she knows them!

Earth, school is out now.  You're free

to play with the children.  We'll catch you,

joyous Earth.  The happiest will catch you!

All that the teacher taught her --the many thoughts

pressed now into roots and long

tough stems:  she sings!  She sings!

Sonnets to Orpheus I, 21

Translated by Joanna Macy & Anita Barrows

After a long winter and a solid week of rain, the earth teaches us again of new life.  Winter always holds the spirit and the potential for joy.  For those of us who have been schooled by the darkness of winter, let us be reminded that it holds in its roots the many names of green and blue.  

This poem I send out especially to Erik (my son John's roommate) who has been schooled by winter this past year, more than his young life should have had to bear.  Every winter, holds the potential of spring!  I wish you warmth and happiness.