-- The Fragrances of Early Spring --

John Herlihy

The fragrances of early spring defy description;

They lend themselves not to forms of prediction.

The fragrances of late spring already old news;

Not another flower, you cry, as you must choose.

Summer roses smell as rose, but what about rain?

Spring rains with airs of freshness never complain.

Try to describe the waves of cut grass as a smell

To my smell deprived friend who could never tell.

The rank invasion of cherry blossoms intoxicating;

All those multi-colored hyacinths simply liberating.

The cold death of winter forced to give up its edge;

The peace of odorless snow surrenders its pledge.

Smell alive again with first fragrances of spring,

As the sense of wonder God’s first day did bring.

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(c) John Herlihy 11 April 2020