“Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky.” ~ Kahlil Gibran
It’s spring, it’s spring! At last, at last!
We must celebrate, of course.
The robins have returned from their winter vacations and our daffodils are showing off their cheery yellow bonnets. But to me the most dramatic part of the spring show is when the dogwoods bloom and the trees green up. One day, tiny little buds on bare branches, and the next, a rejuvenating leafy canopy. Somehow, this sudden transformation always takes me by surprise. No matter what kind of winter we’ve had, the leaves always come back, truly nature’s gift of hope.
Today I’m happy to share three poems from Allie Esiri’s anthology, A Poem for Every Spring Day (Macmillan Children’s Books, 2021). John Agard’s charming poem features a tree’s point of view, Larkin pauses to reflect on spring’s promise, and the way Nesbit whimsically personifies different tree species is sheer delight. They’re all a welcome balm after the cold, a good way to celebrate this season of growth and renewal.
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A DATE WITH SPRING
by John Agard
Got a date with spring
Got to look me best.
Of all the trees
I’ll be the smartest dressed.
Perfumed breeze
behind me ear.
Pollen accessories
all in place.
Raindrop moisturizer
for me face,
Sunlight tints
to spruce up the hair.
What’s the good of being a tree
if you can’t flaunt your beauty?
Winter, I was naked
Exposed as can be.
Me wardrobe took off
with the wind.
Life was a frosty slumber.
Now, spring here I come.
Can’t wait to slip in
to me little green number.
~ Copyright © 1983 by John Agard.
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