the sun is shining

on a grassy hill, under the shining sun, the cherry trees are in full bloom, while other trees are just beginning to grow their green buds, not sure if the sun is here to stay after a long, sunless winter.

the sound of a saxophone playing under a nearby bridge projects out onto the hill and the surrounding areas. the calm sound drowns out the sound of the honking horns from the impatient cab drivers driving down the never-ending traffic of 5th avenue.

children are in the park riding bikes, playing catch with their parents, and having fun in their backyard. the city’s backyard – central park.

people are walking their dogs along the grass. it’s the first time since the mild fall days a season ago that the dogs have felt the softness of grass underneath their feet instead of the hard cement of the city’s sidewalks.

couples are walking around the park together holding hands and smiling. they lay on blankets. her head rests on his chest. a kiss on the lips. in love.

a group of girls eager to wear the summer clothes they have been buying the past few cold weekends sit together, gossiping and taking pictures of each other. it’s a sea of brightly colored tube tops, bathing suits, sun dresses, and leggings.

two guys take their shirts off, eager to show off the bodies they have been working on all winter. they kick the soccer ball around and pretend not to notice the girls looking at them.

an older woman enjoys a day outside of her apartment and reads a book on a worn-out blanket that’s been out to the beach and the park too many times.

it’s the first sun-drenched, warm day of the spring season in central park. people are outside, relaxed, and happy. it’s beautiful.