Virginal Blushing

Spring is always a virginal transition. She comes in delicate, blushing, eager but ambivalent, all at the same time. We try to rush her and prepare our space so that she can feel more than welcome before we jump for joy and clap loudly in her face.  But then we are embarrassed by our boorish behavior as her father, the rain, thunders and flashes his sword, and blows hot and cold, reminding us of her tender beauty and her magical ability to change the season and her delicate ephemeral presence.  He angrily reminds us to treat her with the majesty she deserves.

Above are the shy and delicate blooms poking out everywhere of that redbud tree that several years ago volunteered to grow right next to the compost pile and now stands above my head.

Fruit trees wearing their lovely jewelry that only lasts long enough for pollinators to get their first meals of the season and then shed each petal like confetti at the end of the party.

 

And medicinal plants such as lung-wort (Pulmonaria) bring forth their tiny bluebells and pinkbells and ring them out in celebration under the shade of the dogwood tree.

And not to be forgotten in her soft mauve cape, the lenten rose bows low to the Princess of Spring and welcomes her with the dignity she deserves.

(Sun is breaking out today after three days of rain, thunder, one tornado threat and 7 inches of rain...May first has some promise after all.)