I Rule Without a Crown

This is the landscape I rule without a crown.
A yard beneath a canopy of mango leaves
where afternoon sun lingers
 beneath the boughs, exposing where doves
 choose to roost overnight.
 
This is my garden - morning light
gleams over an aqua pool,
refracts, as a breeze  sends
dapples over a long row of palms.

I was the one to dictate the thick
summer planting of tall bamboo
persuaded by added privacy
on the dividing fence, 

This is  my world and I am
the impossible one who will decree
what is painted, what remains unpainted, 
where the birdbath will sit,
or, what species to plant.

I rule this landscape that the sky
changes each moment,

but not the phrases of birdsong 
that slip from every branch
or each  petal that unfolds,
 unbidden.

Suzanne Delaney
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013


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Date: 5/27/2021 11:11:00 AM
And what a kingdom this is ~ well done, Suzanne
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Date: 4/25/2013 1:07:00 AM
"I rule this landscape that the sky changes each moment" << golden line that is! I want to enter this garden and see what you're seeing... it's sounds like a surreal and lovely place :)
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Date: 4/13/2013 4:55:00 PM
Dear POETESS,Spirit Nurse, SuZ,If this is for a Contest; Congratulations I use to be a part time Landscaper if YOU need any Help My QUEEN. YOUR Liege ALWAYS AND FOREVER...Harry
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Date: 4/13/2013 11:33:00 AM
What a gorgeous poem this is.........I long to sit there and drink it all in! :)
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Date: 4/12/2013 9:35:00 PM
I like the way you rule Suzanne, the imagery slips and is wonderful . Enjoyed stopping by this evening. Thank you for sharing, ~Always & Forever *LINDA
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Delaney Avatar
Suzanne Delaney
Date: 4/12/2013 11:04:00 PM
Thanks Linda: Most appreciated, SuZ
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