Crocuses Upon Edinburgh's Meadows

In March the long, cold, dark of winter slips from the north. The chunky snows wither and fade like morning fog upon the green lakes of the forest while the wood and earth pop and swell out their heady scents into a world eager for the memory of spring. I am lost in The Meadows beneath Edinburgh, kicking through a sea of emerald green blades cut by a million yawning purple and yellow and white reminders that the darkness never lasts. The Crocuses are blooming.

All across the great and ancient wonder of Edinburgh, frigid winds whip down from the looming crags to hammer the coats of wanderers through the cobbled Old Town. I can feel my cheeks going frosted red and the wind-tears turning into crystals beyond the warmth of my eyes. Down the closes and across the parks, all that I look upon breaks the mind. I crouch in the sodden grass, holding this moment far too long for the comfort of passers-by. Even looking at it now, years later, there is a repair of the ephemeral bits I keep inside my shell. In the pale blue air Arthur’s Seat and the Salisbury Crags and Edinburgh Castle gaze upon the scene, as they have ever done, resonant and reflective. 

Article Comments

  1. Gayla December 25, 2013 at 2:55 am

    I can see so clearly the inages your words create. To be back in Edinburgh, even in my thoughts, is a pleasure. Thank you and happy holidays!

  2. Ken December 25, 2013 at 6:54 am

    Thanks, buddy. Merry Christmas.

  3. Marysia @ My Travel Affairs December 29, 2013 at 3:49 pm

    Wonderful, I love those first spring flowers. We have them a lot in Poland but never seen such a field!

  4. Hogga January 2, 2014 at 11:57 am

    wow, such gorgeous flowers. great pic!

  5. Ross January 14, 2014 at 10:42 am

    Great picture and your words create as clear a picture.

  6. rebecca January 21, 2014 at 1:12 pm

    beautiful photo! beautiful words! what I would give to be in beautiful Edinburgh at a time like that 🙂

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