When I first wrote this, it was a literal moment expressed in poetry. Now, I offer it as a metaphor relevant to all of us in transitions, in springtimes of our own. FIRST The longer day grows it, cell by cell, pushing upwards through the forest mould insistent… Rising warmth unfurls it-- bashful but persistent-- into the last of winter’s chill: shy and white, a single dog’s-tooth violet. Sign in to see full entry.