Today
, a slip of sun
caressed my skin
but still aslumber
the budding blooms
repose and wait
for twilight frost to cease
for smiles to widen into grins
for laughter of the streams
for spring to conquer
ice and melt
this winter’s final stand.
Today Punam hosts the Quadrille with the chosen word being slumber. This inspired me to write inspired by the artwork by Elsa Beskow for a children’s poem by Zacharias Topelius. It was set to music by Alice Tegnér and was still sung when I was a child. I still find the picture of the little catkin-girl adorable.
I have attached the recording I remember from childhood sung by Alice Babs and her daughter.
Björn Rudbergs writings 
I love the laughing streams. It’s 60 degrees and sunny here today.🌞
better laughing streams than babbling brooks
Loving the melting ice and spring to conquer at last. Also, love that , a slip of sun.
still some ice left.
I think the prompt word is inspiring quite a few spring poems, Björn, and I love that ‘slip of sun’; we had that today when I went for my walk, and it was glorious, even though it is still cold here. I love the ‘laughter of the streams’, and I agree about the picture of the little catkin-girl.
That picture and the music is so much of my childhood… my favorite lullaby I think.
‘slip of sun’ is a great way to describe sun in early spring. Laughing streams sounds lovely. What a treat to read your poem, Björn and the artwork is beautiful.
Thank you… that slip was really a treat.
You are welcome. I can imagine that.
“Slip of sun” — such a perfect description and “laughing streams” yearned for: how beautiful!
It is nice to go out and enjoy this weather.
luv how that caress of sunshine, leaves you anticipating more joys of springtime
Much♡love
It is felt very much at our latitudes.
A beautiful poem, Björn. I especially like the last four lines. We are starting to see spring here.
There is a hint of spring… but still a lot of hesitation.
Thank you. Yes, spring is just starting here, but still hesitating.
This is wonderful, Björn. We live in similar climes and must wait longer than others for signs of spring – and we are so longing for them. Beautifully written.
Yes we do live in similar climates, but I think the feeling of coming out of darkness is stronger here.
Yes, I imagine so. You are further north than I. It took forever for the skies to start to lighten in the morning here. Our sunrise today was at 6:24.
No way, no way could I resist the music, how sweet the tune. Tomorrow morning when I look out my bedroom, spy the sun … I will think of it as “a slip of shine.” Love your quadrille.
Thank you so much, and what joy to find this comment there in my spam folder… I hope it will not happen again.
Lovely descripption of the changing seasons.
Thank you… we are at such a wonderful time soon.
A beautiful reminder of the patience of each season. I like the idea of buds waiting “for smiles to widen into grins
for laughter of the streams” instead of us doing all the waiting.
Waiting for something good is usually good… but it takes some time.
Exquisite, Bjorn, both poem and song. Thanks for sharing!
I love sharing.
Your poem slips away as gracefully as the gleam of sunlight. Much enjoyed.
alas the gleam slips away.
This poem is soft and hopeful… the sun of spring defeating winter’s last stand… I look at that winter as all the things in the world stopping the flowers from blooming….
I love how you could read it as a metaphor as well… thank you
It does feel like a party is being staged.
I think it was the comedian Robin Williams who said, “Springtime is nature’s way of saying let’s party!”
Well done.
There is a very nice build-up for nature to finally burst forth.
I like the sense of being almost there, Winter’s last stand, the battle is nearly o’er, wonderful sound play and visual too.
Soon we will be there…
🙂
Those in-between times are very much like slumbering. (K)
Indeed they are… and we wake up a bit and then go back to sleep.
And that’s only the beginning!
It will explode one day.
I imagine spring springs explosively where you are.
I have left several comments on your truly lovely quadrille, none of them made it. Cannot imagine what I am doing wrong. Other WordPress comments are posting.
Truly love that last line!
Like everyone else I believe ‘slip of sun’ is a great way to describe the sun during its transition to spring.
The picture of the girl is quite adorable ❤️
Wow! Your imagery of the sun’s gentle touch, the budding blooms, and the anticipation of spring overcoming winter’s grip evokes such a strong sense of hope and renewal!
~David
Oh we do hope…. and suddenly the sun is out…
Yes, it’s time for spring to come.
Aww, I adored that
featured image of the
little catkin-girl. So adorable 💕
And best of all, and best of all, your words brought me a touch of apricity ⛅️ 👏🏽
Fave line/I know what that feels like:
“a slip of sun caressed my skin”
And the rest of imagery. 👏🏽 thanks
Beautiful poem about spring!
hearing the laughter of streams now and that slip of sun shining through is beautiful indeed.
https://www.ladyinreadwrites.com/springboard-of-more-ten-bookish-finds-that-opened-new-worlds/#Finding_a_Springboard_in_Slumber_for_Quadrille_196