There I sat, cursor blinking, wondering what on earth I have to write about today, struggling to shut out distraction. I close extra tabs on my browser, shut my bedroom door, and pray for inspiration. But wait! My inbox tab shows I have a new message. Better click it. (See? I TOLD you I’m prone to distraction.)
It’s my weekly update from poet James A. Pearson (go follow him!). I’m a fan of his work, and his words today couldn’t have come at a better time:
What Spring Does
Some winters
are so long
you can forget
what spring does
until it does it.
–From my book, The Wilderness That Bears Your Name
And it hit me – oh! – the monthly Slice of Life Challenge. It’s another sign of spring! In that spirit, I offer a poem.
What Slice of Life Does
(after James A. Pearson)
Over the years, my sons and I
(anxious for an end
to winter)
begin our search
for Signs Of Spring:
tiny green shoots
that certain bird’s call
buds at ends of branches
and we’d find them on walks
or I’d be brought them
in fists or pockets or bunches
or (lately) photos on a phone
and it had me thinking
to the start of March,
the yearly challenge to mark
days upon days upon days:
Behold! a new
sign of spring!
a renewal of vows
to my love for writing
and those who write,
a commitment made
kept
honored
cherished
like blossoms in a bowl
gathered in joy
and displayed
for all to see.
Soapbox: The Way I see Things 
Lainie, this is lovely! I appreciated the opening just as much as your poem.
Thanks for that and for the connection to James; already subscribed. I need more poetry in my life.
Thanks, Ana! I think we ALL could use more poetry in our lives…
Yes, this challenge is a sign of spring and one that blossoms each day of the month.
Gorgeous!
Poetry is a blessing and brings joy!
The connection of the ‘ tiny green shoots” and ‘ the renewal of vows for love of writing’ … I finally love writing. It’s not always easy!
Write on!
Winter aconite! (I looked this up). Buttercups! Thank you for this joyful shot of bright yellow flowers growing out of brown mulch. What a lovely way to start Sunday morning with signs of hope! And practices of hope! (This Slice of Life writing challenge). Thank you for introducing me to a new poet. My days are made better with poets. Finally: that last photo: so sweet. Like a spring party! Blossoms and colored tissue.
Love the juxtaposition of his poem and then the inspiration for yours. YES! This does feel like a sign of SPRING – newness, renewal of writing patterns reconnection with old writing friends.
Thank you for the reassurance that spring is definitely awakening and will be here in the weeks to come. I’m on the lookout – just like you!
I just love the idea of the slice of life challenge as our sign of spring! It certainly helps me get through a month I usually find long and not quite full enough of signs of spring!