On a shelf at home, we re-discovered the book, “Mama Crosses the Door” by L.A. Davison. Mr. Davison lived across the road from Sievers (in the house with the windmill) and served as both the Washington Island School principal and a high school teacher for more than 20 years, covering the time when Butch, Ann, Cindra and later, Carolyn and Barb were in school. His book of poetry and Washington Island advertisements was published in 1956 by the local Lions Club. With the delicate flowers of May blooming now, it’s the perfect time to share his poem, “May on the Island”.
The month of May has been away,
but now that it’s returned
it has brought back to Islanders
the things for which they yearned.
The gentle urge of rains and sun
bestirs new growth and life;
Throughout all nature, once again,
activity is rife.
Hepaticas and violets
of every hue and shade,
Forsythia and Trilliums
A fairyland have made.
The cherry blossom’s daintiness,
so white, so pure, so fair,
adds loveliness to countryside,
and fragrance to the air.
The song birds, too, come back in May
to hold a jubilee,
and fill the silent, empty days
with joyful melody.
Though some prefer October’s blue,
and some love June’s rare days;
a perfect year, I think, would be
a twelvemonth made of Mays.
We are just days away from the official opening of the Sievers Shop. Starting Monday, May 22, we will be open daily from 10-4 with holiday hours of 10-2 on Memorial Day and the 4th of July. It’s all coming together!
May on the Island is definitely one of our favorites!
What a wonderful special little poem – I loved it! Linda
Hi Linda,
That poem is a gem. It really captures the Island in May, even 65+ years later! Good thing that the good things don’t change!
Hugs,
Carolyn
Have a great season on the Island. I will be thinking about all the great adventures happening there this year and remembering my time there last year. I sure did try to pack inas many Island memories as possible!
Hi Jeanie,
Thanks for your comment and good wishes for another great season at Sievers and on the Island!
Take care and happy basketmaking!
Carolyn
Having known the Davison’s that poem is even more appreciated! Certainly true in May such as this one with the cooler temperatures keeping all the beautiful wildflowers blooming longer! The wood violets being edible always make me remember having to pick them , dip in sugar water, dry them and use to decorate cakes and cupcakes. Always beautiful and fun!
Hi Ruth,
Thanks for your comment, Ruth! It was a great set of coincidences to tie in Mr. Davison living in the neighborhood, but also being principal to all of us, and the spot-on poem!
All those flowers were along the roadside where I’ve been walking every morning. What a treat. The Indian Paintbrush were just starting to show their buds and now the lily-of-the-valley, too.
Hugs, Carolyn
Thank you , Carolyn for the beautiful photos! My favorite, and so many more. I love Sievers and Spring, best of wishes for the new season and love to all.
Hi Mary,
Thanks for your comment and when I saw those Forget-me-nots, I immediately thought of you! They have just started to bloom and already in a couple days, some yards and woods are getting that “blue haze” look, as they fill the landscape.
Take care and hugs from all of us,
Carolyn
The photos and poem are lovely. It’s so beautiful and I can’t wait to be there.
Hi Karen,
There will just be different flowers blooming when you’re here! We can’t wait to see you, either. Hugs from all of us,
Carolyn