I walked up to the counter and bought a bit of springtime for three dollars (and a quarter).
Earnest money.
It was a year ago when spring was spring summer was summery fall was yet to fall. winter before we winter’d. The season in front of us. now behind us. still around us. and in front of us again. with hope sprinkled in a garden because we all know flowers (and children) grow faster in the spring. The world moved differently (if “moved” is the word) or should I say the world moved defiantly (maybe “defiant-ly” is definitely the word?) because barely at first like a ball at the crest of a hill- anticipating the other side when the pace picks up, and down it goes!
***
First day of spring again and i again stand at the counter asking for a reimbursement on last spring… and summer… and fall… and winter… and-
“No. Sorry. No refunds.”
I explain it was lost. the cashier looks over the top of his glasses. no response. not what we expected. a glare. it was…tough.
“So is life.”
And yet spring is here- again. like a friend and a promise (because all we have is a promise) of a new spring. one no longer taken for granted.