To a friend

Whilst in the claws of ice, the earth is thawed
By Helios's sun, low in the sky.
In weather almost like a cool July,
Life reawakes in softened earthen clod.
Out come the daffodils, through frost façade,
As soft a yellow as a firefly.
The crocuses and tulips let you sigh
And set aside your heart to wand'r abroad.
But Phaëthon returns the biting cold
Before the trees can grow their branches strong.
The flower petals brown from morning ice.
Protect your roots, my darling, I have told
You time and time again. Flow'rs don't stay long
'Til real spring doth remove old winter's vice.

Jessica Onion
2012