Springtime – Sonnet 1
When bright new earth begins to warm and brown,
Frost’s exit can no longer he forestall.
The tender leaf seeks sun and roots reach down,
And whispered breath of spring gives life to all.
Then comes a flight of robins, as a sign
That surely earth’s renewal is at hand.
Begin the celebration, so divine,
Of rainbow colors spilled o’er all the land.
But why display a splendid show like this
When bird and flower, nothing they will gain?
Humans alone can recognize the bliss
Which our creator, for us, doth ordain.
Spring holds a promise for all of the earth
Of life and beauty, and ne’er ending birth.
Hal C Clark – April, 2010
I’ve wanted to try a sonnet and I finally made the leap. As you probably know, the sonnet has a definite structure of 14 lines, 10 syllables per line, with a set rhyming pattern. I found it’s tough to fit it all in, but here it is.
I’m always amazed at all the drama in the early spring when all the flowers explode in color so wondrous to the eye. I know the color is supposed to be to attract pollinators, but in truth, insects are the only significant pollinators, and their sight is primarily in the ultraviolet spectrum, so they don’t truly see the color in the visible spectrum. Birds are brightly colored for the purpose of mating, but sound plays an equal role in the process. Less brilliant colors might be as effective.
So, what is the purpose for our colorful renewal in springtime? I think it is God’s reminder to us of His promise of everlasting rebirth and life. Just like the rainbow, He provides us with a visual reminder of His promises to us. I hope this poem reflects that presence. Have a glorious springtime!
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