A tromp through the woods

We'd been stuck in this house for what seemed like ten years

With “what-can-we-do” whines and and “I-had-that-first” tears

We'd just about had it. We'll die before spring!

But then God sent the sunshine, and I said, “That's the thing

We needed! Now kids, find your boots right away!

We can't miss a minute of this almost-spring day!”

Rubber boots on our feet, but no coats for this crew

For who needs to bundle when it hits 42?

“No, we don't need jackets,” I said with delight

“See the snow melting? That means its just right

For a walk, or a run, or a skip through the woods!”

And Little One said, “Mom, you’re right! This feels good!”

We crunched through the leaves and we slushed through the snow

And the kids noticed things wherever they'd go:

A log, like a bridge, just over a stream

And a seed that looked just like a truffula tree

Big sister came too, balancing with a smile

The desire to run and to play like a child

And her kind, caring heart that helped her go slow

While Little One made his small tracks in the snow

She stayed close when he said, “Hey, watch me do this!”

And the steadying hand of his Really Big Sis

Helped him complete his challenging stunt

Proving to us that he's not just the runt.

Bare hands picked up snow and made mini snowmen

Then smashed them with boots and then did it again.

They squealed and they yelled until mom said to stop it

And Little One put his cold hand in in his pocket

Where he placed, oh so gently, his friend “woolly bear.”

And the older ones taunted and shouted out dares

“I dare you to jump!” “Bet I can!” “No you can't!

Then “Mommy there's mud on my shirt and my pants!”

“The laundry is worth it,” I said with a laugh,

“As soon as we’re home I’ll put you in the bath.”

While they jumped daring jumps and they played daring games

Those silly boys called things by the wrong names

“Look! An ear-scratcher!” “Nuh-uh! Pincher butt!”

Said the one who was nursing his wee little cut

From the clobster--or crawdad--he pulled from the mud

by the tree with the bumps, or rather, the buds.

All the while was a song flowing behind their words

The sweet sound of spring waters and the singing of birds

Praise God! Alleluia, Thanks Jesus! We say

For this tromp through the woods on this muddy spring day