The Lady in Red

by Shirley M. Flanagan

The lady in red gave a sense of vibrancy to the room. Her snow white hair, cut in a classic bob, added to the appeal of her appearance. Crossing the room, her regal elegance revealed her upbringing. A distinguished grey-haired gentleman met her at center floor. His quick smile widened as he extended his hand and took hers. They began to dance. Her red dress floated and swirled at every turn. "The Merry Widow" waltz! A fitting tune for this handsome couple. How was it possible that this lovely lady's life was to be cut short? Her nonchalant manner betrayed her fate.

Contemplating our interview together, I marvelled at the disguise she was mastering. Would I find this lady in red true to her role as Duchess of Sweden, or find simply a woman with humble values? As the waltz ended, I keenly sensed the mood and intensity of this moment.

My interview? What did it reveal? The lady in red was a true Duchess with maturity and grace, able to accept with dignity whatever the future held. As our interview concluded, she placed her hand on my arm, her eyes glistening with tears

The year passed quickly, and the Duchess succumbed to her illness. The vision of her wearing the red dress, dancing in the arms of the refined gentleman, will always remain in my memory. "The Duke and Duchess of Sweden," reminiscent of times past.

I REMEMBER APRIL

I Remember April
Memories of April’s past include families enjoying walks in the park, a variety of weather patterns, the fragrance of apple blossoms, tulips, hyacinths with daffodils nodding their heads. The song “April Showers” identifies April with May close behind.

Though April showers may come your way
They bring the flowers that bloom in May
So if it's raining, have no regrets
Because it isn't raining rain, you know
It's raining violets
And when you see clouds upon the hills
You soon will see crowds of daffodils
So keep on looking for a bluebird and listening for his songs
Whenever April showers come along.

The sparkling diamond is April’s birthstone. The birth flower, the Daisy or Sweet Pea. Other sources cite the Tulip.

The derivation of the name (Latin Aprilis) is uncertain. further derived from the Latin word “aperire” meaning “to open” likely referring to opening buds.

The month of April brings the end of a dark, dreary winter, and the beginning of light and growth. To behold a spring garden filled with blooms and hear the birds singing is a treasure I experience each April.

(Music “April Showers” written by Louis Silvers, lyrics B.G. DeSylva. Song published in 1921.

Signs of Spring

Welcoming Spring By Shirley Flanagan
The swish of the window as I open it, the chirping and whistling of birds in the nearby trees, lift my spirit. It’s spring. The nesting and producing of the bird’s young ones is typical of the renewal of life the season brings.
Sandy’s jump to the window sill and his pert “meow” answering the birds, makes me smile at his enthusiasm.
I hear the roar of the cars on the adjacent highway. The humdrum way the passengers scurry off to their place of employment makes me wonder if their lives really have any meaning.
The constant popping of the coffee percolator, the hum of the refrigerator and my husband’s mournful yawn, jolt me back to the time of day. These sounds make me feel comfortable. All is right with the world: at least in my little corner.