Dear March – Come in

Where flowers bloom, So does Hope

Lady Bird Johnson

The arrival of spring brings hope. The earth presses the refresh button, shaking off the blues of winter to welcome baby leaves that brighten the trees and buds that paint the world around us. Yes, the year 2021 is moving swiftly—two months have already passed. I wonder if the Earth has picked up enormous speed to move faster than before!

I remember my grandma’s words. She used to say that days move faster when we are energetic and engaged in life. The same days may feel longer when we are withdrawn or physically weak to get up and get going. 

If you feel that days are flying by and February ended too soon, be happy—you are lively! If not, no worries. Let’s welcome March with a poem by Emily Dickinson (1830-1886). 

Dear March – Come in –
How glad I am –
I hoped for you before –
Put down your Hat –
You must have walked –
How out of Breath you are –
Dear March, how are you, and the Rest –
Did you leave Nature well –
Oh March, Come right upstairs with me –
I have so much to tell –

I got your Letter, and the Birds –
The Maples never knew that you were coming –
I declare – how Red their Faces grew –
But March, forgive me –
And all those Hills you left for me to Hue –
There was no Purple suitable –
You took it all with you –

Who knocks? That April –
Lock the Door –
I will not be pursued –
He stayed away a Year to call
When I am occupied –
But trifles look so trivial
As soon as you have come

That blame is just as dear as Praise
And Praise as mere as Blame –

It is a free-verse poem all about March—the month that marks the beginning of spring and the blossoming of life.

We have witnessed a very long winter that began at the end of 2019 and is still lingering. Unlike the regular winter that gives way to spring, this winter of COVID-19 brought unprecedented times and led to situations we could never have imagined. Now, hopes of vaccination are in the air, coinciding with March—the season of renewal.

As we look forward to days of freedom, when we can step out without masks, sanitizers, and constant caution—when we can meet and greet friends without hesitation—let us welcome March with much-needed hope.

Which winter do you want to end soon? It could be different for each of us, based on our life experiences—emotional, physical, financial, social, or otherwise. Whatever it is, welcome spring into your life!

—Anitha KC