The sound of dripping water, slow, but like the steady beat of a water drum, plays over and over again. The high snows in the mountains are melting under the warmth of Spring's return.

The birds are singing happily - the jay, the dove, the chickadee, the squawk of the jay - the joy of the squirrels - chasing each other around, filled with renewed life and a summer yet to see.

The trees are so tall - the pines remind of the beauty of the green of Spring, and despite the winter snows, life is abundant all around - up and down and on the ground - our Mother is awakening.

Off to a distance I can see a group of women and children, laughing happily - voices all at once, mixed now and then, with the voice which must scold, the children, to pay attention to watch for this is how they must learn, for there will be more times of Spring's Return.

The maple, so tall and strong, rooted deep in the mountain, new life running through its blood - the sweetest of tastes, to remind us again, of the blessings we have at each Spring's return.

The melting snow and the maple's gift, will gift the children with a wonderful time - of remembering the maple and the gift she gave, snow covered sweetness, a forever childhood memory, when life was free and sweet and always and forever was a Spring's return.

The children will learn the ways to have the gift of the maple, and even as they grow, it will always be a fond memory but they shall return again and again - futures to come, with their own children.

And stand by the maple, in the melting snows, and laugh and talk and scold the young ones, to learn the lessons they must pass on.

The renewal of life again and again - the Spring's Return is our never-ending memory and fills our hearts with joy of the renewal of life in all forms we see.

Spring's Return.

© Svhyeyi Aga - Evening Rain

Cherokee

March 20, 2001

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