The solemn cold weather colors are stashed in trunks now,  and the closet smiles with crisp whites, soft linens, tropical hues and sherbet pastels. June is pure, breezy, and full of promise, like a short, swingy skirt that sashays down the sidewalk with confidence and cheer.

This is a month that brims with optimism and plans. The cameras click non-stop to capture moments and milestones. It’s a time for exchanging vows and rings, for collecting diplomas and leaving home, for celebrating with friends and visiting with family, for finalizing holiday plans and adventures.

Darkness has retreated and our lives are infused with light. The sun rises unbelievably early and sets ever-so-late. We relish the illusion that the days are longer, that time is finally on our side. We take our morning tea outside and breathe a bit easier. We sprawl on the bench at the bus stop, close our eyes, and tip our chins up to the sun. No sighing and glancing at watches. Who cares if the bus is late?

We go for long walks after dinner, linger on the terrace later than we should, and wait for breezes to stir the air in our bedrooms as we drift off to sleep. Our dreams tumble with old friends in new settings, familiar and surprising like a patchwork quilt made from vintage fabrics.

The fields sip the rain, sigh, and perk with life. The bees hum on the roses leaning over the fence. The markets jostle with tanned shoulders and shopping bags crowding around colorful displays. The cash registers ring and the cafés never empty.

We relax our hands and loosen our grips, we let go of old hurts and expectations. We accept who and where we are. We’ve entered the promised land--summer is finally here.

©2006 Veronica McCabe Deschambault. All rights reserved.

June 14, 2006