A time of creative observation :
Upon the happy news of Mount Auburn ’ s reopening , I thought I knew what I ’ d find on my first visit back . Spring had finally sprung all over town , and I had watched the local plant life burst into the fullness of summer . What I hadn ’ t realized was how wonderful it would be to find myself under a vast canopy of green — not one tree at a time , not just a bit of shade here and there , but the wholeness of Mount Auburn ’ s ecosystem , fully leafed out . That along with the high grass and un-mown hillsides were the loveliest and most pleasant of surprises .
What wasn ’ t a surprise was the sight of my favorite Threadleaf Japanese Maple . That glorious tree hadn ’ t missed a beat . March ’ s bare skeleton of bark and branch was now invisible amid dense foliage — until , of course , I ducked under its umbrella . There I stood up and breathed deep , grateful for the splendor of these living creatures . And delighted to be back once more in the most serene place I know , once again .
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