by Paul Blaney
In order to provoke wonder
A miracle must both be novel
And manifest itself at the appropriate rate,
Neither so quick as to escape notice
Nor too slowly lest the
Might-have-been crowd
Wander off
(Wedding guests tread sober home to bed).
So the miracle of spring is overlooked
Being both annual and a long time in the making,
That time the stretch of winter’s spangled cloth which,
Withdrawn in slow motion without drum-roll
To reveal lambs and furry buds
And snowmelt streams,
Is met with more relief than applause.
The Pygmy Giant 
#1 by Cath Barton on February 8, 2011 - 8:11 am
That was a sweet start to my day.
#2 by S de Assaf on February 8, 2011 - 8:16 am
Beautiful handling of words, lovely evocation of the mystery and miracle of Spring.
#3 by Jennifer walmsley on February 8, 2011 - 8:22 am
Lovely gentle prose.
#4 by Sandra Davies on February 8, 2011 - 8:27 am
Having spotted a clump of snowdrops on my way to buy a paper this morning, I can vouch for the slowness of its approach – sweet and enjoyable, this.
#5 by Leah on February 8, 2011 - 8:29 am
Well-timed and each word well-placed. The end phrase made me nod with appreciation.
#6 by Simon T on February 9, 2011 - 3:08 pm
Love this! I will appreciate spring as a miracle this year…