While summer, autumn, and winter seem to fill up with major holidays, spring allows us a chance to celebrate the histories and output of two of the most important groups of people in this country. I’ll sneak in February here, too, since a proper Venn diagram would most likely depict a mixture of this big three: women, Blacks, and poets. Although they should be celebrated all year round, we give them special credence in the springtime. Well, it was springlike in early February, was it not?

Michelle Obama’s book, “The Light We Carry”, is subtitled: Overcoming In Uncertain Times. It certainly feels that way, uncertain, as we face divisiveness at home and wars in name, if not in declaration, abroad. We know that voters in many states are allowed early voting and mail-in options; yet, in others the push is toward restrictions. Is it any wonder that we turn to writers, at least I do, for inspiration and guidance? I find Obama’s thoughtfulness and common sense refreshing, as she navigates life post-presidency.

A woman who will surely join the litany of other female scientists published her first book in 2021. “Sentient: How Animals Illuminate The Wonder Of Our Human Senses” is a library book I’ll need to go out and buy. And as I’m out on that errand, I’ll be marveling at the birds, the squirrels, the owls, and yes, all the dogs along the way who read my legs up and down for the latest information. Jackie Higgins has been fortunate enough to study a variety of beasts, a la Sy Montgomery, the duck-billed platypus and the giant peacock of the night to name a few. Discovery, research, and commonality form the core of her exploratory interactions that provide insight into how we humans operate.

Ah, saving the best for last: poetry. Here’s one from an anthology called “Poems To Learn By Heart”, scrunched to fit into the article!

“I pledge acceptance/ of the views,/ so different,/ that make us America./  To listen, to look,/
To think, and to learn/  One people/ sharing the earth/ responsible/ for liberty/ and justice/ for all.” That’s Janet S. Wong’s “Liberty”. Finally, it’s Emily Dickinson who will usher in spring for us in “Bee! I’m expecting you!”

“Bee! I’m expecting you!/ Was saying Yesterday/ To Somebody you know/ That you were due—/  The Frogs got Home last Week—/ Are settled, and at work—/ Birds, mostly back—/ The Clover warm and thick—/  You’ll get my Letter by/ The seventeenth; Reply/ Or better, be with me—/ Yours, Fly.”