The Joy of a Trillium

Every single May for about 17-18 days these lovely little flowers pay a visit. 

It’s a wonder of the forest.  They consume the green floor beneath the trees for just a little while.  Finicky to too much sun, frail to the extremes of cool or heat, they bloom with all their exuberance to grace a path and be a companion.  

I first took real notice during Covid. 

Those lonely mornings of quarantine and social distancing meant nature became a friend... a best friend 

The long walks in silence or with my wife brought hope in the midst of all the confusion and confinement. 

I won’t wax on about the symbolism of the three petals but isn’t it remarkable that such a brief presence of life can make such a lasting impact. The fact that something can live to its fullness with brevity and purpose and then just disappear. No drama or expectation of more. They’re gone as quickly as they came, retreating to give way to a new cohort next year.

I’ve just seen my last one again... and thank God as I wait for their return.