cool early spring air. breezes off the lake. romantical gondaliers rowing towards the dock. ginger cosmos easing a weeks' worth of tensions...shared food, big platters. spicy lentils, braised collards and spongy injera to wrap it all up. honey wine flowing. late arriving to the show...the theater dark and the crowd seated. we fumble to our seats. on stage: life. sound. color. hope. rhythm. perseverance. flowing out into the filled auditorium. i tap my boot, i close my eyes, i take it all in. the ride home...three bikes, four riders...our faces to the cold night air, a nearly-full moon glowing above us and the night heron taking leave from the shore as we pass...welcome, spring. i am glad you're here...i'm glad i'm here...