April Awakens

April loved springtime! After awaking this morning feeling as if she had been asleep for months, the knowledge that spring had come made her feel new and rejuvenated. Yawning and stretching, she carefully made her way through the common area of her home where some of her family members were still asleep.

Even before she got outside, she could feel the changes in Mother Earth. The soft wind that breezed through the door was a warm one and very different from the harsh, cold winds that had blown during the winter months. April could hear birds singing beautiful melodies, which could only mean that they had come back from the South.

Once outside, April checked behind her to make sure her children were all in tow and had not unnecessarily disturbed anyone else. She then took in the beautiful blanket of rich green grass swaying vibrantly in the wind. Gone was the frozen sheet of ice that had covered the ground before. In their quests for food, little animals and insects scurried to and fro among flowers of every brilliant color. The children looked at the little creatures in awe. In the distance, April could hear the rushing waters of the stream and instinctively knew that there would be plenty of fish to feast on there.

Setting off on the well-known and well-trod trail that led to the stream, April picked up the low hum of bees. As she and her little ones walked along the path, she could see the hive glistening with honey on a tree branch just above her head. She considered stopping for a tasty snack along the way, but decided that the sticky sweet honey would be better for desert than as an appetizer.

The soft new leaves of the trees tickled April's face and arms as she made her way through the forest, making sure that none of the low branches struck the children. Just as April broke through the trees and caught sight of the steam, she bumped into May, one of her elders. In spite of all the beauty and wonder of spring, May seemed to be in a grumpy mood so April did not stop to interact with her.

Keeping a positive outlook (How could she not on such a beautiful day?), April bound towards the stream with her children right behind her. In its cool, clear water, she could see the plentiful fish that she had known would be there. She and her new little ones would definitely eat well today. Unable to fend off her insatiable hunger any longer, April made sure her children kept a safe distance from the stream and thrust her head into the water. In no time at all, she came up with a deliciously juicy fish.

Shaking her head from side to side and biting into her struggling prey all the while, April quieted the fight of the animal. Repeating her attack a dozen more times, April soon had enough fish to feed herself and her cubs. They all lounged by the stream and ate heartily. After their meal, April took her children into the water where she taught them to swim and fish. Each cub proved to be a quick learner as April looked on with pride. There really was nothing like being a new mother bear in spring!