I love it when the first snowdrops appear in late January and February - they represent the idea of the warmer weather and colours of spring approaching. But it's the daffodils that always signal the longer days and give the hint that soon we may have sunshine and warmth at last. I think it's to do with the vibrant bright yellows of their flowers - their fresh looking faces shining bright in borders, lawns and pots. A scattering of spring everywhere - even if it's cold and wet still - a sign saying 'yes' the sun will be out soon; 'yes' it will be warmer!
I was wondering what may happen with the daffodils this spring as some had flowered before Christmas in some parts of the country and there were some blooming in January in our garden and in the park behind us. I thought they all may be out far too early and be spoiled by snow and frost, but they are out in force now in March as usual, perhaps a little early, but still making their usual splendid show.
I can't help but think of the poem - probably my favourite one - Wordsworth's 'I wandered lonely as a cloud'...
I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed - and gazed- but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:
For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.
