In a Spring Grove
Here the white-ray'd anemone is born,
Wood-sorrel, and the varnish'd buttercup;
And primrose in its purfled green swathed up,
Pallid and sweet round every budding thorn,
Gray ash, and beech with rusty leaves outworn.
Here, too the darting linnet hath her nest
In the blue-lustred holly, never shorn,
Whose partner cheers her little brooding breast,
Piping from some near bough. O simple song!
O cistern deep of that harmonious rillet,
And these fair juicy stems that climb and throng
The vernal world, and unexhausted seas
Of flowing life, and soul that asks to fill it,
Each and all of these,--and more, and more than these!
William Allingham
Don't blink, you might miss it. May is that kind of month, a whirlwind in the garden and in life. It is the last spring month in Chicagoland, so all those unfinished spring tasks have to be completed, but time is limited on the weekends because of Mother's Day, graduations, First Communions, and weddings. All of which is unfortunate, because it is the best month in the woodland garden. The last of the spring ephemerals are blooming and none of those already done blooming have died down yet. The bugs are still tolerable, and the heat and humidity haven't settled in yet. Every minute spent indoors is begrudged. May is a moment to savor.
Happy May Day to all those workers worldwide who celebrate today. All you Italians, enjoy your transit strikes. Walking is good for you.
For more May Muses, visit the host of Garden Bloggers' Muse Day, Carolyn Gail at Sweet Home & Garden Chicago.