After Dark

forgotten in a chipped clay pot

half hidden by composted leaves

beneath bare branches where in march

magnolias make purple blooms

there where all is darkly drear

where recent snowfall left its mark

a cluster of white bashful bells

in wintry coldness huddle close

a sign of growth a sign of life

galanthus flowers mid the rot

rebirth i hear my heart strings sing

Persephone brings news of spring

Reviews

[Helen]

Oh yes, joyful news of Spring! Message perfectly delivered Chris - an enjoyable and heartening read. I always think of snowdrops as being the first flowers of spring, but this year has been strange and I already have flowering primroses, crocuses and lungwort - plus some purple flowers around my front door (not sure of name) but no snowdrops yet!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Helen. Sounds as though your primroses and crocus have given you the lift my snowdrops did for me. We are in the last throes of winter and on the cusp of spring :)

Chris

[Dave]

Christine - such joy! I can't wait for Spring. We are expecting a new blast of ice and snow starting tomorrow, Thursday, and continuing on. As though worrying about the virus isn't enough!
Chris - take care of yourself. My wife, still teaching, has already gotten an email telling her she'll be teaching on the computer tomorrow.

[Chris Shaw]

I hope our cold blasts will be ending soon. It looks as though in your neck of the woods it has been very cold with lots of snowfall. Keep safe and well Dave. Spring is just round the corner. My best to you and yours.

Chris

[Dave]

Thanks Chris - I keep looking for that corner that Spring is just around, - so far - no luck!
Take care dear friend - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

It will come :)

[emmajoy]

Simply, briefly: EXQUISITE, Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased you appreciated this little write Em. Thanks for checking in.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

No blooming of anything in cold and icy Michigan. I am looking forward to the Spring dear Chris. I believe, a long way away. Hello my friend and thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Coyote. Sounds like you are still in winter's grip. It has warmed up by a few degree here, but spring is taking her time. All good wishes to you.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

8 inches of snow dear Chris. I shovel twice. I need a warm days and you are welcome my friend. Have some fun and be safe.

[Chris Shaw]

Plenty of hard work with that shovel. Take care my friend.

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Chris... we are having a icy snow that
glistens like diamonds in the Dark of Night. Having a
second floor very high up with Bedrooms with windows facing
North and South-- East and West; we have an extraordinary view out of very large windows
like "Currier and Ives" greeting cards. One Window overlooks our elderly neighbor's
Old Tall Magnolia Tree that in the Summer will bloom with large Magnolia Blooms
which enhance our Life immensely... we are blessed. All the plants are sleeping...
tucked underneath the composted leaves. Galanthus flowers and Persephone are
on my list to study. I am glad I am developing two green thumbs. Love and Happy Valentines Day
from accross the Pond where Lilly Pads sleep in waters keep until the fish return from the deep.
Looking forward to Frogs that Leap. truly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat, you have a bird's eye view over your garden and a wonderful view of your neighbour's magnolia tree. It has been bitterly cold, but only a smattering of snow. Plenty of rain and the icicles have been quite something. The Thames froze over at Teddington, first time for sixty years and fountain flow has frozen too. Spectacular sights. Spring has someway to go to find us. Your response so poetic. Take care my friend across the pond and thank you for your visit.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Chris… it is now February five of 2024… which is Super Tuesday Political Patty Day before the Presidential Voting in November 2024. The INAUGURATION of the newly appointed President will be in January 2025. We are Restless and uneasy to Protect our Borders and Preserve our Country and the Values that have been our Guiding Light. However, first we need to experience Spring and Blossoms of Hope and Integrity. Your Friend across the Pond. softly, Pat

[Patricia Wedel]

Correction: Tuesday .. February five of 2024 is Super Tuesday Political Party Day… to cast Votes for the Party of your Choice…

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat, our borders too are causing a massive headache. We also want our values upheld . We have that in common. Hoping for a beautiful spring . It is still very cold here. 🌹

[moog-drika]

Ahh such a pleasing portrayal of the season's transition. It beautifully shows the nature of spring and winter and how they are born and reborn.
Sounds rhythmic to me. Although I love winter more, but I would crave such spring to live.
Love it

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you. moog-drika for your visit and read. Much appreciated. All the best.

Chris

[Crowley]

I am hoping my blooms hold off til I get back from vacay. It was 82 F yesterday and I am not very hopeful!!! I loved this and the time of year it represents!

[Chris Shaw]

I am green with envy at those high temperatures. We have the promise of snow here. Thank you Crowley for your visit. All good wishes.

Chris

[Robert Trakofler]

I love it! bring on the spring!! dear Chris, you would get along well with my mother she knows every plant, weed, flower, and bushes name I remember when we were kids how we used to try and stump her on walks about nature:)

[Chris Shaw]

Bunny you are right. I think your mum and I would get on well. She sounds though to have more knowledge than I do when it comes to all things green :) I bet she could teach me a few new ones. Thank you for dropping in.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

ah yes .. it is surely coming "as perennial as the grass" i read somewhere long ago .. gloom can not hold sway forever :) ...................
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Mr E for checking in. First signs of a change in the season. Have to say I'll be happy to wave goodbye to winter.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

Amen Sister! My wild rose bushes are sprouting leaves here in the Ozarks. A blessing for sure.

[Chris Shaw]

Something to look forward to. Now I have to google Ozarks to find out more about the area you hail from :))

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

Beauty takes birth where we least expect it. It can be tenacious too. Here, in that chipped clay pot, hidden by compost leaves, it still lived and returned with spring. My dear Chris, you never fail to bring joy with your lovely thoughts!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ditzy. Tenacious is a great little word which describes snowdrops perfectly. More treats for you..........

Chris