For some, spring is synonymous with growth, new beginnings, and joy. In Buffalo, it is a bit more complex than that; it more resembles the highs and lows of a toxic relationship.
Initially, as the single digit and teen temperatures give way to high 30’s and even 40’s, we are in a state of ecstasy! There is a sense of merriment and good will to all men as pedestrians–many of whom have been pent up all winter–take to the streets to breathe in the fresh air, looking for any excuse to walk/run/bike somewhere, anywhere!
Then, a string of nice days in the 50’s, 60’s, and even low 70’s. Hallelujah!
Within days, however, the rains come, the winds blow, and low temperatures haunt us once more.
We now don our winter coats with resentment as we think back to, just days ago, when we gleefully cast aside the laden garments, and, dear God, it’s snowing again.
Emily Dickinson’s 1859 letter to a friend indicates 19th century Amherstonians (Massachusetts) faced similar struggles. On the outgoing summer weather Dickinson writes,
“Oh fraud that cannot cheat the Bee,
The Letters of Emily Dickinson 299 (Cristanne Miller & Domhnall Mitchell eds., 2024).
Almost thy plausibility
Induces my belief.
Till ranks of seeds their witness bear;
And swiftly thro’ the altered air
Hurries a timid leaf.”
In the end, we choose to stay, because when it’s good, it’s really good.
