Today, at my creative writing group, we did a short writing exercise whereby the person next to you gave you a word (any word) and you had to write no more than 50 words, starting with “I love you” and incorporating the given word. All a bit valentine’s day, thought I; I don’t ‘do’ valentines day but, ever game for a writing challenge, here is my offering with thanks to Elizabeth for a lovely word.

Front Runner

I love you snowdrop, you peek out when 

all is grey and Christmas is over.

You’re a front runner

the prelude to Spring

You don’t announce your arrival with

a fanfare, just shyly say, “hi”.

You are my hope

my dare to dream defender

I love you snowdrop

© Liz Mackenzie

Photograph taken at Hodsock Priory Snowdrop Walk on 17 February 2019