Bittersweet Spring

1

Spring creeps up on you and without little warning pounces on a new day in New Hampshire. The snow has been melting, the roads are muddy and little bits of green are poking out, but sweatshirts and long pants are still on top in your closet. The calendar may say that spring began in March, but you know it hasn’t come yet. 2

One morning you wake to sunlight shining through the curtains. Pulling the curtains open, you open the window. The air smells of spring: fresh, clean and cool, but not cold. Snow is only visible in patches underneath the trees. Sweatshirts are thrown behind t-shirts and pants are pushed away to reveal bright colored skirts. Walking outside that morning is a little chilly, but the spring breeze and bright sunlight feel so good that it doesn’t matter. 3

By afternoon, the sun has warmed the world and the cool spring breeze has turned warm. The grass seems a bit greener, the snow is almost gone, and you see a robin happily hopping along. The robin looks exactly like you feel: giddy, almost childish, and free. The change in season is not just in the weather, but in you mind too. 4

As happy as you are about spring, a little thought of winter creeps into your mind. Spring took over one day, before winter had a chance to say good-bye. Gone are the days of warm wood fires, oversized sweatshirts and your new favorite novel. Gone are the days of beautiful snow falls and watching children build snowmen. Gone are the days of innocently sneaking up behind your best friends with snowballs. 5

Stepping outside, the thoughts of winter vanish. You run across the finally visible lawn, arms stretched out to each side, head tilted up just a bit. With every breath, you take in a bit more of this wonderful spring day. What else could you want? 6

Again, the thought of winter creeps back into your brain. You are torn between two wonderful worlds. Winter is quiet now, asleep for the next few months. It will come again, but running back across the lawn, you jump into spring without a glance back. 7