Written 06 May 1970
My Summer of Life: To Bernice

Each year begins with the returning to life
When the sun comes high and thaws the ground
Last year was my last spring year and something in me knew it
I watched the earth put forth its green
I saw life born and a new feeling was born in me
I saw it grow and thicken and watched the flowers turn to fruit
The time of ripening must not be spent alone
All life gave its vitality and beauty to me
And I began to take the offerings and was blessed
For just to see these offerings is a blessing and a miracle
And I was tired of looking away
But one does not gather fruits immediately
For there must always be a time of flowering in spring
And since my spring would change to summer
I watched and learned the Fall
We should all bow out as poetically
The fragrance of spring and strength of summer are seen once again in the glorious protest of Fall
In fall we see what have been the true colors of the year
Then the night of winter and the hated need to rest
So as to be born anew
It is good to have many Springs
And you need a winter for a spring
Last year was my spring
As this is now my summer
For now I've come to know woman through you
And for love the season is summer
So last year was the passing of Spring
You watched me change to summer
Right before your eyes
And you have been part of that change
So come let us spend our summers' beginnings together
With delight and love for each other.