I don't think anybody actually said the word but many had it on their lips that afternoon and it was definitely in the air when the rain started being English we were used to Michael Fish presenting the weather and saying such things as It's all change, I'm afraid on a bank holiday when you wanted to go for a walk or a ramble even 'round the corner to the shops but that Monday was different in other ways that were not so obvious the heather was more scented for instance whites and purples and reds were more vibrant as well and while I breathed the soul of self-forgetfulness and practised the art of self-effacement and yielded to hope and bewitchment yet I failed to scan or to rhyme lacking meter or repetition yet returning with the spirit of something vaguely poetic was it ecstasy I wonder was it still verse however blank or blue was it Nietzsche going back to shake hands with Hegel spurring the horse ...

The rhododendrons bloom for the month of May at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh.  So the rhododendrons are finished now. Still their popsicle colours--cherry and orange, blueberry and grape--quench my memory. But even with the temporary passing of the rhododendron and  the azalea--the king is dead; long live the king--there are other subjunctives from the Chinese highlands to excite the mind. Blue and yellow poppies yet remain. And heather even blooms in the Winter, when nothing else will grow. And never fear that even the neatest species will spread its wings and alight on your hand.  I am speaking of the chaffinch and robin, who will eat the crumbs of scones out of your hand. And Spring and Summer sun are such surprising guests that in behind a bush or hedge, you might find Scottish lassies sunning themselves in their underwear instead of having lunch. But careful not to gawk--nude beach rules apply.  After all, what's wrong with me...