May 1, 2017 (Monday)
Today is the first day of May. In many places it is known as “May Day.” May Day comes in many shapes and sizes around the world, from giddy and playful to military parades and displays of power. Personally, I prefer the “giddy and playful” emphasis. My memories of May Days past include maypole dances in the third and fourth grades, when boy-girl couples did fancy steps around a tall pole.
Years ago a song, made popular by Al Jolson, written by Louis Silvers and B.G. De Sylva, emphasized the “flowers of May.” I like that old song. Here’s how it goes:
Life is not a highway strewn with flowers
Still it holds a goodly share of bliss
When the sun gives way to April showers
Here is the point you should never miss
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 where you see clouds upon the hills
You soon will see crowds of daffodils
So keep on looking for a blue bird
And list’ning for his song
Whenever April showers come along
And where you see clouds upon the hills
You soon will see crowds of daffodils
So keep on looking for a blue bird
And list’ning for his song
Whenever April showers come along
Click here to hear Al Jolson sing, “April Showers