Darling crocus,
You pop up unexpectedly and turn a dull weekday into spring.
First flower, saffron shield, happy herald, brave bulb.
You arrive with far less fanfare than your thirstier cousins, claim your space on the frozen ground, next to piles of dirty snow and creeping ice, and wave those dainty petals with unfettered glee.
Bravo!
Let other flowers preen from crystal vases and hot house bouquets. You’re the natural beauty, asking for little more than sunlight and fresh air.
You offer hope and a welcome reminder that life is both precious and constant. You survived winter and we will too.
The danger among us humans, who move briskly through our days, is that we’ll miss your show entirely, glance up briefly from our phones and mistake you for a small, white wrapper or a piece of plastic blowing in the breeze.
That would be a shame because right now the world needs everything you offer — beauty, optimism and peace.
Yesterday I saw you and you made my day.
Welcome.
Welcome.
Welcome, spring!
