Beltane 2013

'Tis Beltane!  From here on, She blesses us with the riotous joy of Spring and early Summer--the cacophony of birdsong, trees vesting themselves in the verdant splendor of full-leaf, flowers of all kinds studding the landscape with celebratory colors.  In the shadows, we may sight the Fae in their festal dances at the Gloaming.  Early herbs and Garden delights begin to grace our Hearths and Tables.

Step outside--can't you feel it?  The warmth of the Sun's embrace growing ever more lengthy and sustaining.  The bracing texture of new grass as it tickles beneath your barefoot steps.  The gentle kiss of the Spring breezes sensually stroking your cheek ever so softly.  The chirrups of wild birds calling you ever onward to the world beyond the walls of your comforting home.

The 19th century poet--Willam Wordsworth--embraced Nature in this manner.  His were poems which captured the essence of Nature and the Simple Life as indicative of the ideal state of Mankind.  I'm reminded of his "Lines Composed in Early Spring" today:

I heard a thousand blended notes, 
While in a grove I sate reclined, 
In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts
Bring sad thoughts to the mind. 

To her fair works did nature link
The human soul that through me ran; 
And much it grieved my heart to think 
What man has made of man. 

Through primrose tufts, in that sweet bower, 
The periwinkle trailed its wreaths; 
And 'tis my faith that every flower 
Enjoys the air it breathes. 

The birds around me hopped and played: 
Their thoughts I cannot measure,
But the least motion which they made, 
It seemed a thrill of pleasure. 

The budding twigs spread out their fan,
To catch the breezy air; 
And I must think, do all I can, 
That there was pleasure there. 

If this belief from heaven be sent,
If such be Nature's holy plan,
Have I not reason to lament 
What man has made of man?

http://www.poets.org/poet.php/prmPID/296

Today--and throughout this season of mirth and merriment--embrace the hope and welcome which Spring and Nature offer you.  Celebrate good...welcome change...embrace diversity.  Plainly said, let Her wisdom penetrate your deepest recesses and allow you to open to the Thrill of Living!

In the softness of the Moonlight...