And The Birds Sing

What a day it was! It was cold, at least for Texas. But, even with the cold, crisp air, the sun shone brightly. I really love the sunshine, and I know that's why I've grown to love the south so much!

It wasn't until I spent my first winter in Houston in 1978 that I realized how growing up with the gray, dreary and long winters of the north really affected my spirits. I've lived in either Florida or Texas ever since, and I've been able to be Ms. Merry Sunshine even in the midst of winter.

I awoke one morning this winter to birds singing and squirrels running up and down the trees near my apartment. It appeared that they loved the sunshine as much as I did. They, too, didn't seem to mind the cold, as long as the sun continued to shine.

But it definitely was cold, and it made me remember how I used to long for spring when I lived through the long winters in Pennsylvania and Michigan.

And the Birds Sing
by Marilyn Mackenzie

In my back yard is an argument
Sprouting flowers contradict huge mounds of snow

In my back yard is a symphony
Beginnings of spring harmonize with traces of winter

In my back yard there are opposites
Black slush is being melted by the warm spring sun

Ugly signs of winter
Being pushed away by the beauty of spring

And the birds sing