The Changing Spring Countryside Poem by Deanna Samuels

Riding the country way into town
gives a feeling of quietness and calm.
Noticed with a lifted heart
shrubs already sported tinges of green
while the stark bare winter trees
appeared less stern and forbidding,
some with noticeable tiny erupting buds.

Long grasses appeared taller, prouder
standing on their crisp brown stalks
yet, soon, would be overtaken from
new season's fresh green spring growth
but still they lined along roadside verges
reminiscent of a last defiant stand.

Last layers of snow hide in the shadows
and fields newly ploughed with past crop
ready to give nutrients for new growth.
Today, not a cloud in the blue azure sky,
calm, with little wind, a slight nip in air.
Nests already inhabited, accentuated,
perched carefully in the still unleafed trees.

Gradually reached the outskirts of town,
new rows of houses appeared to have
mushroomed overnight since last drive in.
Now, ever-increasing traffic all around
and a recent occurrence inducing sirens,
police cars and ambulance at traffic lights.

Looks like have left the quiet country drive
and have transformed into urban and shortly,
heading into the rush and hustle of city.


Written while driving into Toronto, Ontario - 21st March 2025