WHAT THE BIRD SAID
EARLY IN THE YEAR
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I heard in Addison's Walk a bird sing clear:
This year the summer will come true. This year. This year.
Winds will not strip the blossom from the apple trees
This year nor want of rain destroy the peas.
This year time's nature will no more defeat you
Nor all the promised moments in their passing cheat you.
This time they will not lead you round and back
To Autumn, one year older, by the well-worn track.
This year, this year, as all these flowers foretell,
We shall escape the circle and undo the spell.
Often deceived, yet open once again your heart,
Quick, quick, quick, quick!--the gates are drawn apart.
-- C. S. Lewis
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My grandmother was born 96 years ago on this day, March 3, 1909.
Today marks the first birthday she will not be here with us.