If not for you, winter wouldn’t hold no spring, couldn’t hear a robin sing. I just wouldn’t have a clue, if not for you. – Bob Dylan

Got a note from Jay Birmingham. “I read something on your site that spurred me to compose.”

Take that as a great compliment. So, here it is. 

Robin-Song by Jay Birmingham

Today I woke to robin-song
Their happy, chirping, sing along
Another day, my life is long
And longer by each day.

I walked for coffee and a bun
On legs and feet that cannot run
With memories of races run,
And won, rose through my mind.

I’ve lived a life of chaos, true,
Through some bright years and years all blue
Remaining birthdays, very few, lie on the lane ahead

Yet I feel joy in robin-song
Bright daffodils and insect hum
Today someone might share a smile
And I might walk a halting mile

Most friends and kinfolk left me here
A score of pets and lovers gone
And I remain to soldier on
This long life not yet done.

I have a choice (a fearsome thought)
To throw a towel or hangman’s knot
I choose this life of fading strength
That I might spin with Earth today

And hear the robins sing
And hear the robin-song

Robins come right through Florida’s Nature Coast on their annual migration. Stop, too. Still reminisce, we looked out the window during a deluge and a couple hundred robins were having a splash party. You could almost see them smile as they fluttered and frolicked. Spring break like it should be. You can keep your booze and your thong bikinis.

Boy, I’m old.