Spring

Come Holi, the festival of colours, to celebrate the arrival of Spring. After the grey winter, a welcome liberation from the confines of a bleak, dark period. From languishing in the oppressive cold, the earth bursts into colours with exuberance, warmth and joy .

No longer the chillblains, no longer the smog, no longer the hanging veil of despair. When we are at the end, like an angel, Spring descends, bringing with her, fun and laughter. The singing birds, the bright blue skies, the balmy nights, as we enjoy the invigorating outdoors again. The earth teeming with the glorious hues of new life, budding shoots, pale green leaves, set off by wild yellow, orange and red flowers .

Locked in we were for two whole years, with not much movement or socialising. Almost like a larva in it’s chrysalis, encapsulated in the dark cocoon of our homes. Finding self, discovering the beauty within, we now emerge as colourful butterflies, much like spring, after the cold, grey winter.

Forced to introspect, drawing on our spiritual inner being, we found paths in the wilderness, springs in the wasteland, of our lives. Forgiving self and others for what we did and did not do, we left behind our past. Talents we discovered, creativity blossomed, lost relationships revived, new ones established, and toxic ones we cast aside. In unfolding mysteries, we recognised our strengths and weaknesses along with that of others.

Now as we are released, back into the world, we test the waters slowly. Knowing more than we did, before the pandemic we use our newfound knowledge, for the good of self and society. Though social skills are impaired, conversations limited, we try to reconnect with one another.

Often making plans, but hesitant to meet and greet, or gather in crowds, as the pandemic is still fresh on our minds. Some grown accustomed to the indoors, rarely want to leave, some overcome by fear of the outdoors, never want to step outside .

The world, as once known to us, will never be again, and we are more cautious. Spreading our wings gingerly, we try to find a new balance. But as we are more tolerant, more humane, we enfold one another, with our newfound compassion. Ready to lend a hand, mend the broken, we are eager to elevate the meek, help the needy and uplift the impoverished .