Nearing-Summer Joys

Mistakenly thought of as starting on the 1st of September, Spring arrives for the Southern Hemisphere on the date of the Spring equinox: for 2018, this was the 23rd of September. Spring is a hopeful season which brings bursts of new life, positive aspirations, and, most importantly for me, a tantalising taste of summer warmth. The sun shines proudly, casting away clouds and driving us to search for shade as we fear for our winter pale skin. Tans will soon emerge, often preceded by sunburn, and we will proudly display ourselves in skimpy shorts and singlets. Beware though! Although the sun shines, Winter is grasping at straws, desperate to extend its dominance with lingering chill winds which bring goosebumps to your exposed skin. Although barbecues and beach trips are not yet called for, we snatch every second outside, even relishing the rays on our backs as we meander - an improvement from trudging - to school. We may already be excited for Summer, but we have to rein it in for at least another 8 weeks, as the school year is far from over. For juniors, this means the rest of the term at school, whereas for seniors, exam leave means taking studying outside - but take precautions for the wind, which will relentlessly tug at your loose notes. As a lover of Spring, I must admit, it has its cons, don't all things, but everyone can find happiness in those nearing-Summer joys.

By Eva Wadsworth