Spring Fling

It is an absolutely gorgeous evening, warm with a mild breeze blowing away the last remnants of the long winter days, restoring my soul with hope for a relaxing spring and summer spent with friends and family. I am mesmerized by the ever mindful robin as she flies steadfastly back and forth to her nest of baby birds tucked into the eaves with her cache of insects to quiet the hungry brood. She never waivers in her dedication and when the cheeping finally subsides and her little ones have settled down into the nest she perches nearby to stand guard, warning away any other bird that dares to come near. As I sip my drink I lean back into my chair to quietly observe the frolicking on the lawn as two fuzzy brown squirrels tease and chase each other. The smaller squirrel dashes for the nearest tree then stops to shake its bushy tail, taunting and inviting. Then up the tree they both race, round and round the trunk as they make their way upward, then flitting across the budding limbs. Just when it seems the squirrel would be caught it leaps into the neighboring tree and makes its escape down the knobby trunk, stopping to quiver its tail, its flag of victory. Then they race to the far corners of the yard and disappear into the distant trees. The neighbor's black and white patchwork cat slinks around the corner and the mother robin begins a noisy revelry. I shoo the cat away, temporarily staving off his sneak attack. In spite of the buzz of traffic I am acutely aware of all the sounds around me: the buzz of the insects, the chirping of crickets, the whistling of the birds, the creaking of branches and rustling of leaves, the barking of the neighborhood dogs in the distance, the laughter of children playing down the street, the whir of skateboards on pavement. It seems that everyone and everything is out enjoying the warm spring evening. I finish my drink slowly, then close my eyes and let the sounds wash over me. I love this time of year.