To A Snowdrop

Lone flower, hemmed in with snows, and white as they
But hardier far, once more I see thee bend
Thy forehead as if fearful to offend,
Like an unbidden guest. Though day by day
Storms, sallying from the mountain-tops, waylay
The rising sun, and on the plains descend;
Yet art thou welcome, welcome as a friend
Whose zeal outruns his promise! Blue-eyed May
Shall soon behold this border thickly set
With bright jonquils, their odours lavishing
On the soft west-wind and its frolic peers;
Nor will I then thy modest grace forget,
Chaste snowdrop, venturous harbinger of Spring,
And pensive monitor of fleeting years!

by William Wordsworth, published in 1819


The snowdrops in the garden have been out in flower for some time now, along with several crocuses and other plants that really shouldn't be in flower at this time of year! Even the Camelia buds are almost ready to open!!

My camera was struggling to cope in the bright sunlight this morning, having one of those 'I refuse to focus' days! I also didn't want to get soggy knees from kneeling on the wet grass so this is the end result!!

(Once again, this photo looks so much sharper in 'large'. Gilesey has mentioned that she has noticed the same with her photos since the change to the new site layout, does anyone else have the same problem/an answer?!)