In this poem Alfred, Lord Tennyson writes about the coming of the first snowdrops, or February's Fair Maids.
Many, many welcomes,
February fair-maid!
Ever as of old time,
Solitary firstling,
Coming in the cold time,
Prophet of the gay time,
Prophet of the May time,
Prophet of the roses,
Many, many welcomes,
February fair-maid.
There are swathes of snowdrops everywhere this year, more than ever we think. They truly feel like the harbinger of Spring, and are especially welcome after the cold and dark days.
Mary Webb, poet of the Shropshire countryside also wrote a paean to the Snowdrop: Snowdrop Time:
Ah, hush! Tread softly through the rime,
For there will be a blackbird singing, or a thrush.
Like coloured beads the elm-buds flush:
All the trees dream of leaves and flowers and light.
And see! The northern bank is much more white
Than frosty grass, for now is snowdrop time.!