winter's grip lessens

It’s been a long, dark, winter, so the last couple of sunny days have been uplifting. It’s amazing how quickly the land responds when it gets a blast of sunshine.

Suddenly dandelions are prowling among the grasses, and the gorse bushes in the woods have burst into glorious flower.

I love the gorse flowers’ coconut scent, so strangely exotic for the blooms of a local wiry shrub.

Most of the other plants and trees have not started to grow, so winter’s severity still rules.

Soon, all will be stretching up and out of the darkness.

Until then we have the beauty of gorse.