It’s spring! Well, according to the calendar, we have about 10 days but just look at this beautiful white cloud. I know people say that Bradford Pears are invasive, they break easily in the Oklahoma winds, and then there’s the allergies. But no one talks about how beautiful they are. They are the first thing to bloom in the spring and the first thing to turn red in the fall. I love them. Achoo! Sorry.

My daughter has one in her front yard that hangs over her front door and last week she could barely breathe. My husband’s allergies are worse now than when he was young. But still, I love them. They give me hope that winter is almost over, and warm temperatures are on the way. They are the beginning of spring in Oklahoma.

Ode to a Bradford Pear

White blossoms clean, crisp, delicate as porcelain,

Perched on branches like clouds,

Warmed by sun, and nourished by crystal clear dew.

Pungent in spring, they tumble to the ground in swirls fed by wind.

Petals quickly replaced by soft waxy green leaves

Provide thick shade from summer heat.

Cool and deep, shadows drop temperature for pedestrians.

Across sweltering concrete.

Cooler nights create vibrant orange, red and gold.

Autumn’s bright colors painted by the brush of God,

Creates smiles on the faces of those who tire of the heat.

Their beauty committed to the mind’s eye for cold winter nights.

Dark, wet limbs against purple sky background

Mimic black lace on purple velvet.

Soon branches are covered again in white

As icy snow prepares tree once more for spring.

Next will be the redbuds. They are just a tiny burgundy bud on a delicate bare branch at first, and then they bloom out. Soon they, like the Bradford Pear, will be just another tree with green leaves. But in the beginning, they are the hope that springs eternal. Spring has sprung.

Soon, I’ll give you my opinion of Cottonwoods. Achoooo!

What are you reading/writing/growing this week?