As soft grey-green tipped white
they point skywards in small
huddles my heart lifts to see,
I ponder the thrill of
surprise; unexpected
earliness after years
of modestly awaiting
March or even April,
waiting while I purchased
more early in the greens
chose sunny planting spots
before unwinding rubber
bands, unfolding wrapped leaves;
transferring to prepared
destinations, to be
admired until their late cousins
emerged; but look, it’s still
February and the white
tips swell, point and gleam, dip
hints of green patterned bells
sing Valentine, guess who
dares to send the paper lace
dares to send the snow bells
Galanthus Nivalis,
the herald and memory of love.