Not quite a native Ripley Countian - she attended only her last year of high school in Doniphan though she taught in the R-1 system for 32 years - Teresa (Pearson) Lee delights in surprising readers and herself with anecdotal observations of life in general. Maybe you can blame her St.Louis roots for a quirky humor and some slightly-askewed opinions, but never doubt she writes from the heart.

Spring Signs

Posted Monday, March 25, 2019, at 9:52 AM

First dandelion

A mosquito, a gnat and a housefly
Made an appearance the other day.
As each performed its fly-by,
I sensed spring is on its way.

The mosquito was so very little
Took no more than a wave of my hand
To cause it to skedaddle.
No bite. It never did land.

Bizarrely the gnat was flying solo.
Usually it is part of a swarm.
Won’t hear me complaining, though.
Will be lots when it gets warm.

The housefly was maneuvering slowly,
As it thought about taking a flight.
No time wasted consoling,
The flies and I will soon fight.

Unlike the mosquito, I’m no longer petite.
Takes a few tugs to make waistbands meet.

Winter’s solitude, just me and the cat,
Makes me feel like the pesky ol’ gnat.

The dreary days means a much slower pace,
The housefly and I might not finish a race.

Robins are praised as the first signs of spring,
Though I haven’t seen one of them yet.
Three pests on a first spring fling
Means warm days are ahead, I bet.

Brighter days and warmer temps are coming,
Luring us to gather outside for fun –
Floating, boating and sunning,
We will greet spring on the run.