Trout Lilies

Trout Lily

Trout Lilies
by Mary Oliver

It happened I couldn't find in all my books
more than a picture and a few words concerning
the trout lily,

so I shut my eyes,
And let the darkness come in
and roll me back.
The old creek

began to sing in my ears
as it rolled along, like the hair of spring,
and the young girl I used to be
heard it also,

as she came swinging into the woods,
truant from everything as usual
except the clear globe of the day, and its
beautiful details.

Then she stopped,
where the first trout lilies of the year
had sprung from the ground
with their spotted bodies
and their six-antlered bright faces,
and their many red tongues.

If she spoke to them, I don't remember what she said,
and if they kindly answered, it's a gift that can't be broken
by giving it away.
All I know is, there was a light that lingered, for hours,
under her eyelids - that made a difference
when she went back to a difficult house, at the end of the day.

Yesterday was our 42nd wedding anniversary, so as we have done for many years in the past, we pointed our jeep north to the Huron National forest, where the hills are covered with mile after mile of beautiful spring wildflowers. After 40 long days of leash restrictions, Mojo has finally healed up enough to do what he loves best without being tethered to a leash, so he was shaking with excitement at the prospect of being able to run.

Normally there is an abundance of round-lobed hepaticas, spring beauties, trout lilies and so much more, but we have had a very cold spring so far, so the hills were still quite barren. The leaves of trout lilies are quite beautiful though, and there were many pips popping up, ready to burst into flower as soon as warm weather arrives. Also absent were the many singing birds we usually find in this special area but their songs will be ringing through the hills as soon as the weather shifts, which hopefully will be soon. The bluebird skies, bright sunlight and fresh air were so very needed and although we were unable to find any morel mushrooms, it is the searching that we enjoy. Finding them is just a bonus.

My second surgery is scheduled for next Wednesday at a hospital downstate. All systems are go so far and it will be such a huge relief to have it done finally. They will be removing the remaining cancer around my tumor as well as removing multiple lymph glands as well. Then the cancer can finally be staged and my oncologist can draw up a new treatment plan.

I will try to be more consistent with my posts in the future. It’s been an extremely long winter and it has taken quite an emotional toll. Spring is the time to celebrate, and despite my ongoing health issues, I plan on getting outdoors as much as I am able. For me, it is the best medicine and the side effects are always positive.