WATCHING snowdrops bloom in the garden inspired a house-bound Lancaster pensioner to put pen to paper and write her first ever poem. Some months later, 86-year-old Winifred Lund was delightfully surprised to discover her lyrical debut published in an anthology by the International Society of Poets. I was amazed," said Winifred, who decided to write poems after suffering a stroke.

"I wanted to keep my mind active so I began writing jingles and rhythms for my own pleasure. One day I was looking out of my window and I saw the snowdrops and just thought how remarkable they were and how they were the harbingers of spring."

Her poem entitled Snowdrops was published in an anthology called Between a Laugh and a Tear which features original work by poets from around the world.

Winifred has since written many poems on the themes of memories and growing old and has developed a real passion for poetry.

"I never though I'd become a poet at this late age and have decided I must be a late developer," she said.

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