Where is summer ?

 Winter seems still to grip  me and the land

Despite  blue  skies and  scudding  clouds 

The bright sun seems  cold  somehow

The daffodils  are still flowering and

 the Bluebells and the May Tree too

Tulips finally break cover – a hint of blue  on the hyacinth

each day brings a tiny change

I am weary of this long winter, my bones ache and crack

As  they were frosted twigs

The May Tree blooms  regardless of the cold,

Like the  birds who take the nesting cue from  the lengthening day

But winter clings on, despite  the greening of the valley 

Cold north winds  push the swallows  away from their summer barns

Pentecost passes and the fire is cold and distant