Crocus Poem by Denis Martindale

A tiny flower caught my eye upon my nature trail,
A fragile thing that made me sigh because it looked so pale.
It made me think if it would live beyond that afternoon,
Perhaps a drink that I could give would help revive it soon.
From my cool flask some water poured and sank beneath the ground,
I hoped that flower got restored and prospered safe and sound.
I made my way along the trail while birdsong filled the air,
Such that their praises could not fail to stir my heart right there.

I saw a badger on the way, and creatures rarely seen,
And all at once I chose to pray, my thoughts to intervene.
I gave thanks for the sky above and all the scenery,
And for this forest that I love which means so much to me.
For here I met a girl so nice, her smile shone like the sun,
I was as if in Paradise before our walk was done.
And though we parted I still search for her each time I walk,
As if my heart still has the urge, the hope that we can talk.

So many things to say and yet, what best words should I speak?
Is love the thirst each heart can get, that special one to seek?
A crocus can live on its own without a single friend,
Yet Man hates spending life alone, on that you can depend.
Sunshine can warm the flesh of Man, yet Man needs more than this,
And so I must do what I can beyond initial bliss.
Thank God I know the lady's name, thank God that she knows mine,
When we next meet I will exclaim, Please be my Valentine.


Denis Martindale, for the 19th of January 2024.


The poem is about the magnificent nature painting
of UK wildlife artist Stephen Gayford called Crocus.