March

Duc du Berry's Book of Hours
Plowing and planting near the Château de Lusignan.

In the northern hemisphere, today is the beginning of meteorological spring. In ancient Rome, March was the first month of the year, not January. The name March comes from Martius, after the Roman god of war. As we know, the Romans were a warlike people, and March was the start of the military campaign season.

New Year

It isn't today
But it should be.
Nature knows the real beginning
And it wasn't that hung-over morning
With beans for lunch
And dry needles dropping
On the carpet.
So wake up,
Polish your sword, pack a lunch, move out.
And if you're still brave enough-
Remember.