Opening Day Poem by Bill Upton

It seems the last chirps of the birds were so long ago
In a different time, from a different mindset.
Why do they only sing when it's warm?
Maybe they know something more than we do.
They're always in the mood for a warble
When the sun's warmth returns from Christmas break..
To provide the alarm clock
Necessary to strike up the band.
Isn't it refreshing to know that when they sing
It is our clue to break out of our arctic hibernation
And breathe again?
To smile once more.
Their chorus reminds us of our youth-
The signal to come back out to play.
The gates reopen for us,
Our freedoms are restored.
The gray staleness of our winter indoor imprisonment
Is washed away,
And we recapture the brilliant colors of youth.
The birdsong at the break of spring
Is the most magnificent orchestral music imaginable.
Spring forward,
It's Opening Day.
PLAY BALL!