Snowdrop - bringer of hope & consolation

Fluttering, feathery flakes of snow
O’er field and forest sweep,
Making a shroud of chill and woe
O’er flowers all asleep.

From wounded flower-beds stripped bare
Kindle bright flesh blades of hope,
Before tender beaks of crocus dare
Kindle bright the leafless slope.

To a despondent glance they seem
Snowdrifts over lasted.
Slow, unnoticed, spring’s heralds gleam
In bleak glades black blasted.

Sole promise her starry beacons
Withstand attacking winter,
As the ground petrifies, weakens,
Wood tears, branches splinter.

Ancient oaks cannot stand so fast.
As slender snowdrops’ rein looms
Petals, nodding, call, ‘Peace icy blast,
Arise you buds and blooms!’

At her heart, a rose ribboned green
Recalls youth, gladness.
To followers she proves a fickle queen.
Frost stiffens them helpless.