To Spare or Not to Spare (God Spare us)

Unknowing and incapable of concern, they returned: buttery daffodils standing out against leftover leaves on half muddy lawns, daring the rest of spring to catch up. I was glad to see these planted symbols of hope as I headed left out of my driveway, rosary in hand. I began its familiar prayers:  I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth. 

Meanwhile, my mind wandered. Maybe God has had it with us. Who could blame Him? God, I hope not!

I’ve taken these walks around our neighborhood for a dozen years. This day felt different. I was alone with my thoughts. There was no one to interrupt or greet. My walk qualified as one of the few approved exceptions to the stay-at-home order our state has imposed during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Okay, it’s Wednesday… The First Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection. Our Father who art in heaven…
I was determined to notice more on this walk, to find some tiny feature I had overlooked in previous springs. I would not take daffodils for granted this year.

Forgive us our trespasses…

What a unique time—liminal in a way—without a guarantee that winter is finished.

Yards were a bit unkempt; lawn manicuring had not yet begun. I liked it.

Botanists describe the daffodil with six petal-like lobes surmounted by a trumpet-shaped corona (I read that last part again). Gardening guides claim these perennials do best planted in groups of 25 or more, going on to asserting that daffodils standing alone look ridiculous.
I saw legions of them in clumps on my walk.

Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour…

There was not a single dog walker in sight. Where are all the dogs? Even during a crisis, they still need to be taken out. How confusing it must be for them when no one tries to pet them. They must move toward someone, only to have the leash tugged back. This must all be harder for those who do not understand the risks.

World without end…

Midway along my route, I saw one daffodil maintaining its posture between two boulders. The daffodil is said to symbolize friendship. This isolated beauty actually looked pitiful.

Complying with social distancing I suppose. Should I snap the stem and carry it inside to enjoy? Rescue what is also known as a Lent Lily?

I reminded myself that touching particular parts of a daffodil can result in contact dermatitis, or  “lily rash.”

Do I dare? Simply wash my hands— again? 

…in most need of Thy mercy….

The Genus Narcissus to which daffodils belong tends to be long-lived. Yet there is no cure for a cut flower—certainly not one with a corona. 

To thee do we cry…

I walk on resuming a pace that is good for my health but pulls at my heartstrings. Can’t I stop and wait for the world to get going again? 

Turn then, Most Gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us.

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Kauffman is a wife, mother, and retired educator. A member of St. Benedict the Abbot in McMurray, she serves as a lector and a member of the Ladies of Charity. She coordinates sewing project to create clothing (now including masks) that is sent to Haiti orphans.