were a haven during plague years. 
Now, as the earth tilts and warms
I once more rejoice in violets. 
And crocuses, their lilac-white cloak
a delight; and primroses spreading 
new clumps each spring.

Cloudscapes and rain clear to blue; 
my bones warm in welcome sun. 
I stop my ears from news. 
But wind whispers threat 
in its mild, southerly guise.
Pigeons fight for dominance; 
there’s an absence of butterflies.
A nuisance of ants fly too soon.

Jenny Robb has two poetry collections published by Yaffle Press, The Doll’s Hospital, (2022), and Hear the World Explode, (2024). She lives in Liverpool.