March 1st ~ meteorological spring

Spring

In the north country now it is spring and there 

Is a certain celebration. The thrush 

Has come home. He is shy and likes the 

Evening best, also the hour just before 

Morning; in that blue and gritty light he 

Climbs to his branch, or smoothly 

Sails there. It is okay to know only 

One song if it is this one. Hear it 

Rise and fall; the very elements of you should 

Shiver nicely. What would spring be 

Without it? Mostly frogs. But don’t worry, he

Arrives, year after year, humble and obedient 

And gorgeous. You listen and you know 

You could live a better life than you do, be 

Softer, kinder. And maybe this year you will 

Be able to do it. Hear how his voice 

Rises and falls. There is no way to be 

Sufficiently grateful for the gifts we are 

Given, no way to speak his name 

Often enough, though we do try, and

Especially now, as that dappled breast 

Breathes in the pines and heaven’s 

Windows in the north country, 

Now spring has come, 

Are opened wide.

~ Mary Oliver