As the bite of winter subsides
Dust invades the lungs
Hats and gloves are desperately shed
Pretty girls emerge from cocoons
Specks of green dot the bleak atmosphere
Sand and grit move under the feet
The scent of fresh earth
Is joined by the smell of dog droppings
Slush seeps into people’s good shoes
Water splashes onto their best pants
But never mind those trivialities
Beer tastes better now
Flirting becomes easier
Smiling muscles are exercised
And sometimes it's even okay
To say "Hello" to a stranger.