What is your favorite season of year? Why?

Australia and New Zealand have four seasons. Indonesia may only be a few hours away, but that distance makes all the difference. Further north, the state of Queensland enjoys a much hotter climate. Hence, the ubiquity of mangoes, avocados, and bananas. These fruits thrive in sunnier regions. I recall a peer telling me, ‘I want to relocate to Far North Queensland (FNQ)’.

‘Isn’t it a lot warmer there?’

‘I don’t mind,’ he said. ‘I love the heat’.

In his memoir, rugby league legend, Jonathan Thurston, shared his first impression of FNQ. He had signed with the Cowboys as their marquee player. The first thing he noticed was the humidity. He said that it was like a sauna. Good thing they had air-cons.

Thankfully, not all of Down Under has to swelter. Back in our state, parts of the region snow during winter. Mostly, the cooler weather outlasts the warmer months. Summer doesn’t endure, so there’s no need to hoard linen and bamboo outfits. I remember being with some friends. We talked about our fave seasons. No one picked summer. It was either spring or autumn. In my opinion, the former is better. Why? Let us count the reasons in my spring poems below.

1. Spring is Goldilocks territory.

It’s not too hot and neither not too cold.‘It’s just right’

It could be balmy in the morning, breezy in the afternoon, and quite cool at night

It’s after winter and before summer

Between snow and the onset of the scorcher

You get the best of the lot

September’s cool and November, kind of hot

On sunny days, a polo or tee would be tempting

Though the weather could change without warning

A button up cotton shirt fits the bill

Though common, it’s not your run of the mill

In September, a lightweight zip jacket or vest is essential.

I have my trusty blue down packable vest from Aldi. Its been loyal

Otherwise, I have a black zip vest from Jeanswest

The adjustable and detachable hood makes it pass the test

Unlike in winter, there’s no need to bring a bulky parka

The pleasant weather makes you need more water

2. The flowers are blooming.

Going out, you’ll notice the butterflies and the bees

You’ll smell the honey and climb the trees

The meaning of life becomes clear

In this playground, you’ll have no fear

The caterpillars are in their cocoons

Just don’t bother the raccoons

It’s a perfect day for fun

There’s enough time to make a pun

Why not fly a kite?

You’ll hope it reaches a great height

Whether you’re home or away

You’ll find eight reasons to brighten up your day

Look at the blooming jacarandas

Or the towering acacias

Might you sight the orchids

Or the roses shared among the kids

3. Springtime fruits.

Summer may be the perfect fruit season

Don’t discount spring and the zesty lemon

The navel oranges are all around

Bananas filling up the ground

Grapefruits are in season

Strawberries and even the odd melon

Mangoes are beginning to appear

They’re not as juicy and tender as a deer

4. Travel

It’s the perfect time to go interstate

Make new memories in your wake

Longer days and more sunlight

You’ll be jaunting even in the quiet

Creating new experiences and trying novel food

Such moments will do you a lot of good

Snapping up bargains and buying new things

You’ll add to your treasure trove and be spreading you wings

There’s only six states in Oz

Then you’ll be flying away to Santa Claus

5. Authors

If you’re a bibliophile like me

A lover of Picoult and Connelly

Spring’s a great season to catch new releases

Grisham, King, and those two often have launches

Mitch Albom and David Baldacci too

Whether it’s ebook, audiobooks, or hardbacks on the queue

There’s something for every eye

The castles and kingdoms all come alive

So that’s it: five reasons and five poems as to why spring rules the year.