Let it Be

Winter’s black-and-white array of skeletal trees against snow has begun to reanimate, the first tentative buds peeking out from hardy sheaths as if fearful of making a full appearance, lest they be battered by vicious winds and other unpredictable elements.

The talks were tremendous! We’ll have a deal in days! Assuming they behave…agree to all my terms…hand over our oil! Accept unconditional surrender!!!

Next up, the annual pomp and ceremony of cherry, apple and weeping willow bursting into air, all the little shoots turned color-bursts and joy bombs. Forsythia screaming, I’m here, too, followed by a Pride-worthy parade of crocus, daffodil, and iris, performing their gravity-defying acts; magnolia and lilacs perfuming the air with their daring olfactory stunts, bees noisily getting in on the act. Rabbits and humans doing their thing too.

The talks are off! They’re bad actors! But who cares? I’ll wipe out their so-called civilization at the drop of a drone! Buildings—gone! Schools—gone! Refineries, historic sites, hospitals, playgrounds—erased by a single command! OBLITERATE!!!!!

Now the trees have shed their buds, spread their pollen, begun to perform their customary miracle— rebounding more vibrant than ever, proud testaments to the strength of their species. Back from their solemn, cyclical demise, they rise and spread their leaves like verdant wings over the land. Fallow places and quiescent spaces overflow with abundant green.

Negotiations are on again! Just a little glitch! I gave ‘em one week to…

Walking your affable, tongue-lolling golden retriever to the park in the florid air, the grating voice fades to silence. You good morning a fellow dog walker. Exchange smiles. The ancient oaks offer shade and rustling reassurance. Their calming presence allows you a moment of sweet contentment, imagining what the world would look like if we just let. it. be.