Navigating Reality in Springtime

Most people think of springtime's white, puffy clouds drifting across an azure sky, accompanied by a green vision of beauty and grace on earth. The element of light shines bright. Yet, there are many days of cooling breezes, glimpses of a darkened sky hiding behind the clouds, and puddled rain to chase away the gloomy grey. On these rainy days, I let my mind wander to springtime memories gone by.

HERALD of SPRING

looking back in time

March 30th

etched with snow-covered trees

one lone bird sings

waiting patiently for the frozen edge of winter

to join the chorus of spring

©CVarsalona, 2025, cherita

Mentor Poem, Spring by Julie Forglaro

Despite the forecast, live like it's spring! - Lilly Pulitzer

I decided that this quote would open the door for Golden Shovel poem. Even though the words are not from a poem, I decided I could make a poem from the inspirational thought.

Morning Thoughts

I am alone despite

my family being in the area. The

days of rain cause people to complain about the forecast

but not me because I know that I must live

in the here and now like

others but without you. It's

a sadness I carry around this spring.

Despite the fact that it is still spring.

The weather feels like a summer

forecast. Oh, how we loved summer

living. There were fireworks, barbecues, and enjoyment-

Like life found its relaxation mode.

It's difficult without your zest for summer but be assured

Spring will lead the way to your beach wishes, my dear.

©CVarsalona, 2025, Golden Shovel

Strike line from Lily Pulitzer's quote

**********

Ruth Hersey Is hosting the Poetry Friday Roundup while in the United States. Usually we see her in Uganda. Ruth's theme today is fireflies. She shares two poems on the subject that you can read on her blog, There is no such thing as a God-forsaken town.

Summering on the Spiritual Journey

The art of summering is captured in the wonder of morning light, the darkness of a starry night, and the awe-inspiring beauty of nature. Poet Wallace Stevens stated, "The summer night is like a perfection of thought." I agree! 

My love for summer dates back to my early childhood when I summered with my Nonnie. Each week was full of small excursions such as walking to the library and church, running around the multiple flower beds and vegetable gardens, and pinning laundry on a rope as the breeze flipped and flopped our wash. Each activity was an uncomplicated, valuable memory of summertime. 

As an adult, the art of summering lifts my spirits. I wander through nature, finding ordinary items to dazzle me. Even a tiny dandelion, as simple as it is, brings joy. Now that June is here, with its kingdom of beautifully selected skies, beds of colorful flowers, and my magnolia trees, I can slow down with a more mindful approach. 

Yesterday, sunlight opened the day. I felt the pangs of loss more so than before, so I decided to go on my first walk in months. I breathed in June's fragrance of fresh-cut grass and hint of lilac and lavender. I listened to the sounds of birds and the swish-swash of the water pond. I paused for a short time, just to stare at the majesty of this summer-like environment. Knowing that June is "busting out all over, I need to renew my one word commitment to enjoy life.

"It was June, and the world smelled of roses. The sunshine was like powdered gold over the grassy hillside."  - Maud Hart Lovelace 

Three reading women in a summer landscape by Johan Krouthen, 1908

So what is summering to me? It is savoring stilled golden moments (as seen above in the artwork), time to enjoy the sounds of nature and the ebb and flow of the ocean, and inhale the scent of flowers. It is also a time to relax, barbecue, and enjoy life with family and friends. 

Ecclesiastes 11: 7-8 reminds me to delight in the light of day, while acknowledging the limitations of life. (AI) On my spiritual journey, there will be stumbling and confusion but hope shall help me find a new path as summer blossoms unfold.

I wake from sleep

stumble to see the light

alone with thoughts

I feel confused

what was once is no longer

yet life moves on

seasons change

the sounds and sights

of June usher in renewal

©CVarsalona, June 2025

Thank you to book lover and writer, Ramona Behnke, for leading our Spiritual Journey community this June with the theme of Summering.

Since time is precious, I am also offering my blog post for Poetry Friday. Thank you to nature poet, author, and photographer, Buffy Silverman, for hosting today's Poetry Friday Roundup. She is reviewing two books: Flurry, Float, and Fly! by Laura Purdie Salas and Wonder Why by Lisa Varchol Perron. You will also see there are many other poets who are sharing their poetic goodness.