‘Oh to be in England, now that spring is there’ (IP)

By Rhiannonw

Sat, 07 Mar 2015
  • 4267 reads
15 comments
 

(… says the swallow …)

One swallow doesn’t make a spring,
but when we see one on the wing
we know that winter’s truly past
– our latitude has come at last
to warmer days, nearer the sun,
and springtime truly has begun –
with insects out of hibernation,
and many birds of skilled migration
return to grasp the insect feast,
and all the little mini-beasts
dependent on the green foundation
and flowers needing  pollination
now re-appear with warmth’s reviving
igniting chemistry of living.

 

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Comments

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

What a wonderful poem of the coming Spring Rhiannon.

You put into words the beauty of nature so well, I enjoyed reading a lot.

Jenny.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, Jenny, very glad you got enjoyment from this. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Philip Sidney on

Lovely, science mingling with feelings. it's cold in England today - perhaps it will come tomorrow...

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, the swallows have to decide to return a bit in advance of the 'insect rush' here.
I thought someone was going to pick up on the twist of Robert Browning's 'Home thoughts from abroad,' and the corruption of the 'proverb' in the first line! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Philip Sidney on

I wonder if you mean lassitude?

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

No, intersting thought, but I was meaning 'latitude' thanks – as our hemisphere tilts nearer the sun in our spring. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Philip Sidney on

Oh yes - of course, sorry. smiley

Submitted by celticman on

yeh, looking forward to it, but...pissing down. 

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks for reading, there's more warmth to the sun when we see it, but plenty of chill still. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Bee on

Lovely poem about busy Spring filled with hopefulness, most of which goes on just now unseen. 

Enjoyed reading, and feeling positive for it.

Bee

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, Bee, be patient for it and enjoy each new sign! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by tibi popovici on

A splendid way of presenting in deep thoughts a natural phenomenon.

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you, Tibi. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by jeand on

Hi Rhiannon

I hadn't thought about insects hibernating, but I suppose they do, as you don't see them buzzing around much in the winter. I like your poem's scientific feel - like igniting chemistry of living.

Jean Day

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, Jean, I think some don't use the word hibernation but diapause. Some insects die off except for eggs or pupae I think, but some find a reasonable place to hide 'slowed down', maybe using an 'antifreeze' chemical aswell, eg some butterflies found not moving in sheds or attics etc. Rhiannon