When the darkest days of winter

Draw grudgingly to a close

When snows and frosts disperse

Warmth spreads slowly through the earth

Woodlands and hedgerows awaken

From the deepest of slumbers

 

Beneath a heavy cloak of

Decaying late autumn leaves

New life begins to stir

Seeds move in the now fertile soil

Dark brown wrinkled foliage

Turns away from the sun

Letting fresh tender shoots

Break through to meet the early spring light

 

Ferns send out curled fronds

Spears of green, penetrate a hard ground

While an eager sap begins to rise

Elder and sweet chestnut are newly energised

Each grove and glade enlivened, vital

Briars and brambles extend their branches

To welcome the warmer days

 

Snow drops with nodding delicate white heads

Soft pussy willow and catkins with trembling mustard tails

 Make ready for early visitors to admire

Fresh verdant leaves gently flourish, opening

To face the invigorating early spring air

Tight young buds, look up brightly

To one day bloom, blossom and bring delight

Each bough and sapling, each spray, stem and stalk

Clothe the new season in their verdant splendour