A Spring Poem by Mary Oliver

A Great Blue Heron in the Boise River 

We have had such spectacular spring weather here in Boise, something I feel so fortunate for as we all navigate social distancing and the Stay at Home order. It's great to have the beautiful sunshine to get outside in and watch the world wake up during spring. 

I came across this spring poem by Mary Oliver, one of my favorite poets. I love the sense of hope it instills. The children in this poem are so jubilant at the discovery of spring wildflowers. I think as adults, we can still be enthused and jubilant at small treasures of nature. Delight in the small details of the natural world and spend time observing nature to feel a sense of peace during this uncertain time. 

Children, It’s Spring

by Mary Oliver

And this is the lady

Whom everyone loves,

Ms. Violet

in her purple gown

Or, on special occasions,

A dress the color

Of sunlight. She sits

In the mossy weeds and waits

To be noticed.

She loves dampness.

She loves attention.

She loves especially

To be picked by careful fingers,

Young fingers, entranced

By what has happened

To the world.

We, the older ones,

Call it Spring,

And we have been through it

Many times.

But there is still nothing

Like the children bringing home

Such happiness

In their small hands.