A Crocus in the era of Covid-19

She came anyway.

The only one,

and a bit frayed at that—

not at all triumphant

as when she comes

with her pretty,

flaxen-petaled chums,

a clutch of yellow

always first to the party,

giddy as sunshine

cheerful as hope.

Still, she's here.

Frayed, fragile,

a solitary speckle

shyly peeking

from beneath

the brittle green,

brown-edged

box bush.

Feels right to honor her.

So bravely standing

in the haggard earth,

acknowledging our anguish,

respectful of our worries

but gently, quietly insistent

spring will come.