Crocus

A tiny flower caught my eye upon my nature trail, A fragile thing that made me sigh because it looked so pale. It made me think if it would live beyond that afternoon, Perhaps a drink that I could give would help revive it soon. From my cool flask some water poured and sank beneath the ground, I hoped that flower got restored and prospered safe and sound. I made my way along the trail while birdsong filled the air, Such that their praises could not fail to stir my heart right there. I saw a badger on the way, and creatures rarely seen, And all at once I chose to pray, my thoughts to intervene. I gave thanks for the sky above and all the scenery, And for this forest that I love which means so much to me. For here I met a girl so nice, her smile shone like the sun, I was as if in Paradise before our walk was done. And though we parted I still search for her each time I walk, As if my heart still has the urge, the hope that we can talk. So many things to say and yet, what best words should I speak? Is love the thirst each heart can get, that special one to seek? A crocus can live on its own without a single friend, Yet Man hates spending life alone, on that you can depend. Sunshine can warm the flesh of Man, yet Man needs more than this, And so I must do what I can beyond initial bliss. Thank God I know the lady's name, thank God that she knows mine, When we next meet I will exclaim, Please be my Valentine. Denis Martindale, for the 19th of January 2024. The poem is about the magnificent nature painting of UK wildlife artist Stephen Gayford called Crocus.