The first sighting of daffodils each year makes my heart sing and evokes the fondest thoughts of my late mother and father, both of whom adored the flowers, and the poems associated with them.

Well, today was the day of days. I was driving from Passage East into Waterford City and there on a bank on the side of the road the gleam of yellow had me enthralled, with all thoughts of the political crisis in Northern Ireland, Brexit and the coming of Donald Trump disappearing from my cluttered mind.

I’m not sure if anyone can see daffodils without finding themselves quoting line after line of William Wordsworth’s The Daffodils. I certainly can’t as it is a poem that has embroidered my heart since I was a tot and the yellow threads grow deeper each year:
The Daffodils
I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o’er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the Milky Way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced, but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A Poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:
For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.
(William Wordsworth)

I love the planted daffodils. Last week yer man brought me tulips. Every time I look at them they brighten my day.
Hi Tric, tulips always make me think of Mother in ‘shock’ mode suggesting to sone friends of hers that, as they drooped, they needed Viagra.
Hahaha. As I type a couple of mine are crying out for it.
A harbinger of Spring..You have found your pot o gold…Beautiful
True Joni, the pot of gold for sure.
I really wanted a Love button, but Like will have to do.. is there anything more cheery than daffodils, (or perhaps crisp white daisies)… they feed the soul as do the words of Wordsworth. What poet was better named?
Hi Criss, I agree they are so cheering. Hope you have yours soon.
I have included your blog in Interesting Blogs in FRIDAY FOSSICKING at
http://thatmomentintime-crissouli.blogspot.com.au/2017/01/friday-fossicking-jan-20th-2017.html
Thank you, Chris
Thanks so much, Chris. I really appreciate it.
I saw the shoots of the daffodils in my yard as I walked back up the hill yesterday after taking the trash down! They will be here soon!
That’s great. I always love the anticipation.
My first is opening on the windowsill…only tiny dwarf ones, but still potted sunshine 🙂
Be sure to post a photo of it. I love the dwarf ones too.
There will be a story about tht out tomorrow…with a photo 🙂
Lovely photo of your beautiful mum – you look so like her, Jean. I too, loved the Daffies in Ireland heralding Spring. In Western Australia, we have wild Gladioli (native Watsonia) everywhere during wildflower season in September. While living in Cork one of my favourite photos is of my man and I among some Daffodils, so naturally I recalled my schooldays in Africa when W.W.’s poem was compulsory but also a favourite.
Hi Frances, isn’t it intetesting how some compulsary things are treats, even at the time.
What a gorgeous photo of your Mum, and what a lovely post! Your daffodils are very early and look fabulous. The first sighting is always special, isn’t it? And Wordsworth got it spot on!
It’s a special photo alright. It’s her to a tee. She hated having her pic taken so there aren’t all that many of her.
Oh so it is really very special! Beautiful in every way!
Gorgeous! I have them but will not see them here till at least March/ April.
Glad to have you share in my happiness til then.
One of the great harbingers of Spring! Thanks for sharing.
My pleasure entirely.
Beautiful! Cannot wait for spring and to see ours…two months from now. But it will happen!
That’s the great thing about nature. It will happen!
In the midst of our long hot summer in Australia it’s wonderful to see the daffodils and the green grass ! I loved Ireland when we visited 30 years ago and would love to return one day. The poem is one of my favourites.
Oh I hope you get to return. It’s still as green as ever!
We don’t have any daffodils yet Jean, but they always fill me with joy when they arrive.
Oh you have a treat in store. These are the only ones I’ve seen in full bloom to date this year.
Beautiful picture of your mother, and a wonderful post.