Spring fire

Ricky has been busy the last few months raking all the dead leftover leavings of winter into a pile.  Sunday was the day for the cremation.  I suppose since ancient times humans have been burning the dead left overs of the winter months in the spring.  Spring fires became symbols of endings and new beginnings.  The old crone of winter gives way to the maiden of spring. The cycle continues, never ending as the world turns us around the circle of the seasons.  I have always looked forward to spring.  I find myself searching under every leaf, looking for new blooms and signs of spring on the way, almost here, hurry up! My heart seeks the joy of the new life emerging around us here in the country. Day by day I notice the subtle changes, I know the sudden bursts of color can't be far away.
My son told me once upon a time, "make the most of the hellos and less of the good-byes."  good advice from child to mother.  The turning of the seasons is a reminder, everything changes. It is futile to hold onto the idea that something will stay the same..a flower, a tree, the weather, the date/time/season, a relationship, a life, on and on and on.  Sometimes we light the bonfire and burn away the old dead left overs, so we can start the new.  Change can be welcome, like the anticipation of spring; or dreaded, like the cold north wind creeping in.  But change will come, there is no denying it.   I may grieve the good-bye to the spring flowers when they leave, but I am assured the spring flowers will return again in their own time. The spring fire serves as a reminder to embrace the turning of the seasons, to honor the sacredness of every stage. We can't have a new beginning without an ending.