It seems that this year’s spring has sprung! Trees have leafed out. Spring flowers have blossomed. The grass has had two haircuts. My tree guys have taken out the dead wood from the soft maple and the box elder trees. They have promised to return to take care of the European linden in the fall. Its branches are very close to high voltage power wires; the tree trimmers really don’t want to tangle with them.
I’m learning more and more about “why old people get grumpy.” And, it’s not just old people like me. Younger people can meet the same frustrations that we “senior citizens” meet. And, as an aside, I must say, I really, really do not like that term “senior citizens.” (It’s right up there with procrastinate and widow.) What’s wrong with us just being OLD? I’m OLD. Why is the term so frowned upon by society? Haven’t we earned our right to be old? In July, I will have been a Colorado and U.S. citizen for eighty-six years. So, yes. Those are a lot of years under my belt.
You know that one of my favorite things is Chinese food with its accompanying fortune cookie. I really enjoy the “philosophy” that the cookie writers include. So, here are some more of them. Well, and here is one from Belva Davis, as well.
As I remembered May Day of years ago, I wondered how many of us ever participated in the joys of May day. Oh, it is true that we saw Russia usurp the date for their parades to show military force. But, I’m talking about the good, old-fashioned May Day with May baskets, flowers, and May poles.
Earth Day 2024
A History Lesson
in Haibun
by Marj Becker