12 Comments
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Jason McBride's avatar

I love this! Around the same time of year, I was stalking some early blooming daffodils on one of my favorite walks. I love hearing you read your work and learning about your process!

Brian Funke's avatar

Thanks Jason. I appreciate you reading, and those that also listen to the audio have a special place in my heart 😀

Patris's avatar

Taking a walk with you here. Searching for signs of life in the garden.

Brian Funke's avatar

It’s good to have companions!

Nathan Slake's avatar

"While grasping and control were the planned themes of this poem, grief decided to show up and drip slowly between the lines in this poem."

This observation is as good as the poem itself!

I hope there is plenty of spring for you now and less fog, Brian.

Brian Funke's avatar

It’s weather…changes all the time. Thanks for being here!

Tree Langdon's avatar

I appreciate your poetry but I also appreciate how you give us a glimpse into your process 😊

Brian Funke's avatar

Thanks, I’m glad you enjoy the process side. I think it’s a good practice, to go back and reflect how things came to be!

Ann Collins's avatar

This poem speaks to me of patience. I always hope that walking outside allows the patience of nature to show me how to be present in my life in a hopeful and a more loving way. What a powerful tool it is. I know from watching my own children grow up, that the only conditions under which anyone learns are incredible sweetness, tenderness, and patience. And though none of us learns well by rushing or forcing, I wonder why we are not always the gentle teachers we could be with ourselves? I can be very hard on myself. I appreciate this poem, Brian—especially the audio version—as a clear image of the very human impulse to rush the season we are in. To move on quickly. But there’s something important in the waiting. It allows us a chance to pause--a gut check--and to ask: "Why am I rushing? What do I seek?" This is a thoughtful work as always. Thank you.

Brian Funke's avatar

Ann, I could add the whole sentiment about rushing, forcing and not being tender with ourself into the reflection! It is beautifully written and I feel this very much.

Weston Parker's avatar

A crocus is undeniably a symbol of hope at the end of a long winter and like hope, it has a fragile quality. you captured that here, thanks

Brian Funke's avatar

Thanks Weston. Fragile and short lived…