On my way to market,
it caught me by surprise
pushing through the melting snow
there
near the sidewalk
in the warm March sunshine.
The wind blew cold
but I—
I stopped—
frozen
by the golden beauty of the petals
there below:
bold, vibrant,
like sunshine woven in silk
admitting nothing of fragility.
Home again,
Unpacking my canvas bag,
My eyes closed and I saw it again,
in my mind’s eye,
that crocus,
persistent,
fearless and fierce.
Mary Reindorp lives in Swarthmore. Inspired by her days writing poems with her students at Strath Haven Middle School, she continues to enjoy capturing moments in words.