The dandelions are everywhere, too, but ready to spew their seeds. It seems they spent barely any time in their yellow stage this year. Why are they in such a rush? My favorite flowers of them moment, though, are those the pink dogwood is beginning to put out. The first several days of their blossoming, the tree is like a Japanese painting come to life, with sprays of pale pink—almost mauve, in fact—on dark branches displayed against a backdrop of light blue or cloudy sky. A few days hence the mass of blossoms will be so thick that almost no sky will show through. That's a nice scene, too, but lacking the subtlety and complexity of composition the tree's current state affords.
I'll have to admit to having enjoyed the day despite its failure to bring even a brief shower. Maybe the pollen, in addition to making me sneeze and provoking my nostalgia, contains some sort of psychoactive substance that induces a feeling of mild euphoria. I wouldn't be surprised. Mom nature is, after all, a notorious dealer in drugs of various sorts. There are some who'd love to bust her. But I won't narc on her. Whatever is in the air right now, the effects are worth a few sneezes and watery eyes.
Sunday Verse
The Concert was Not a Success
by Jacques Prevert
Comrades of hard times
I'll wish you good night
And be on my way.
The take was poor
It's all my fault
All the mistakes are mine
I should have listened to you
I should have played poodle-dog
That's a catchy tune
But I did as I pleased
And now I'm through.
When you play wire-haired
You have to watch your pitch
People don't come to a concert
To hear a death-rattle
And that song about the Pound
Was the worst mistake of all.
Comrades of hard times
I'll wish you good night
Sleep now
Dream now
I'll take my cap
And a couple of cigarettes from the pack
And be on my way.
Comrades of hard times
Think of me later on
Sometimes...
When you wake in the morning
Think of one, sometimes
Who played smoked salmon and sea-perch
At evening by the shore
And who goes on with his search
For a decent meal
And something to drink...
Comrades of hard times
I'll wish you good night
Sleep now
Dream now
I'm on my way.