This time of year

I came across this poem prompt posted by @rogerrobinsononline: Write a poem with one repeated line appearing five times.  Each time the line returns, the surrounding context must alter its meaning through irony, tenderness or revelation. What a clever idea. 

I really love this time of year,
When days stretch out, spilling into evenings,

Flowers unfurl shy hearts to probing bees,

Smiles banish the blues, welcome in the green.

I really love this time of year

With its promise of heat building day by day,

Its lush sunlit valleys busy making hay,

While birds flit from feeders to nest, and back again.

Oh yes, I really love this time of year

The daily battle against rampaging weeds,

The constant on-and-off of 'just in case' layers, 

The sudden sodden surprise of a shower.

I really love this time of year

When plans for celebrating an anniversary

Narrow down from a multitude of possibilities

To the perfect expression of all we have made together.

I really love this time of year

As much as the mellow lassitude of autumn,

The crisp shadow lantern of winter,

And the hopeful midwifery of spring.

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