This column first ran in 2014:
It’s difficult to say what time of 12 months is best. January is the calm following the vacation hurricane, as daylight incrementally lengthens within the wake of the winter solstice. I relish the snugness of the February cocoon; the primary brave protrusions of erupting crocuses in March, the sun setting, dead center on the western horizon, in perfect balance on the spring equinox; the sudden elongation of sunshine into the evening upon the return of Daylight Saving Time; Easter, when the theological Resurrection enjoys an objective correlative in nature’s rebirth; the blossom bonanza in April; the leafing of trees in early May; the sensible roses, perfumed linden blossoms and lingering daylight deep right into a June night; the peak-summer sultriness of July and August; the hazy, mellow sunlight of September; the explosion of color in October; the moody darkness of Halloween; the inviting warmth of Thanksgiving; the starry wonder of the winter solstice and the luminous rebuttal of Christmas.
Each time of 12 months has something to recommend it, not the least being that every lasts so short a time — yet may be counted on to return again. Variety and continuity — not a nasty deal this cycle of seasons.
But May, when it’s right, would finish near the highest of most lists.
Johnny Money composed his anthem to Ireland, “Forty Shades of Green,” in 1961 after a fascinating visit to the Emerald Isle. I believed of it, wandering the village last Sunday in the complete glory of early May. There have to be 40 shades of green in Oak Park and River Forest now.
The catalogue is unfolding, not all of it green: Tulips, daffodils, dandelions, rhododendrons, hyacinths, bleeding hearts, scilla siberica, spring beauty, magnolias, crabapple, ornamental pear, forsythia, redbud, dogwood — even lilacs and lilies of the valley are poised and able to issue their intoxicating fragrance.
It’s touch-and-go for tree blossoms each spring. A blustery day on the unsuitable time can decimate these painted ladies. It was blustery last week and the week before, but one way or the other, spring perseveres.
The deciduous trees are also flowering immediately. Though not as showy, maples bear a lighter shade of green, a stunning contrast to the deeper green of grass and tulip leaves.
The air is filled with fragrance and pollen, which implies my nose (newly reawakened from its wintry slumber) and eyes are stuffed with it. Watering, itching and sneezing are how I relate to spring. Spring is nothing if not ironic. I worship what I’m allergic to, but suffer I have to because that is the wonderful time of 12 months.
Also probably the most unsettled, even turbulent, time. Perhaps “dynamic” is the higher term. Fertile to the purpose of fecundity. It’s all in the way you take a look at things. I look, dazzled.
In Austin Gardens, the park district has posted small signs, near the bottom, identifying the varied patches of wildflowers — rue anemone, trout lily, mayapple, red trillium — exotic names for unusual flowers that might easily be ignored when you didn’t know there was a treasure trove at your feet within the wooded section of this hidden oasis.
Spring is notoriously stingy on this a part of the country, but May isn’t stingy when it peaks, with its big range of tulips (waning), irises, bridal veil, Korean spice viburnum, and heavy-headed peonies. Trees shed seeds by the truckload, and the streets fill with birds, darting back and forth, feasting on this reproductive orgy while dodging the murderous fenders of passing autos.
There isn’t any spring delirium just like the euphoria within the upper Midwest because we’re accorded so few perfect days that, after they arrive, individuals are dazed by the grandeur of all of it.
We shouldn’t set holidays by the calendar. We must always wait for perfect days and declare them holidays — by consensus.
If only life might be so easy.
Actually life is that easy, though we disguise it in complicated clothing, which is why we too often overlook what it offers. We long for more when life is presenting its best right under (and currently in) our noses.
Unhappiness is the idea that life, in its current condition, isn’t ok. I don’t mean man-made life with its poverty, injustice, and violence — all of the nasty stuff we will’t seem to resolve.
I mean life itself, being alive, a life value living, those rare moments once you end up saying, “It doesn’t get any higher than this.”
If that’s enough, you’re certainly one of the lucky ones. If you happen to keep asking, “Is that each one there’s?” then you definitely’ve joined the ranks of the restless, spreading dissatisfaction.
I often find myself with a foot in each camp.
Which can explain why satisfaction and dissatisfaction have little correlation with wealth or poverty, illness or health, success or failure. It might be because of body chemistry, but when there’s a secret to happiness, it’s not asking more of life than life is able to giving.
A lot of the 12 months it’s either too hot or too cold around here, but when it’s right, nothing is more marvelous than May.
Get out and wander.
Even when it makes you sneeze.
No Comments
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.