An Early Spring - or is it?

It almost feels like spring is here
As there's something special in the air
The temperatures begin to rise
Though we could suffer a surprise ...

At the end of February – last year
The «Beast-from-the-East»* growled here
Out came thick coats and gloves again
Winter dragged on - such a pain!

This time, unless I've got it wrong,
Spring is tiptoe-ing along
As aconites light up new grass
Bringing joy to those who pass

Along the cobbled paths today
Under skies devoid of grey!
Mind you, though daffs now cut a dash
Please wrap up warm – let's not be rash!

A neighbour met me in the street
We chatted, pleased again to meet
And pass the time of day in sun;
So is it true that spring has sprung?

(c) Poet in the woods 2019

* Beginning on 22 February 2018, Great Britain and Ireland were affected by a cold wave, dubbed the "Beast from the East" by the media and officially named Anticyclone Hartmut, which brought widespread unusually low temperatures and heavy snowfall to large areas.