I Am Not Brave

How brave the amaryllis is
emerging naked from the soil,
an umber golden spear to pierce
the heresy of August air.

I am not brave like pilgrim bulbs,
though planted fifty years ago,
still sending offspring to the sky
determined in a hostile sphere

to brave remorseless elements
and kiss the hummingbird in flight
with coronets of newborn pink
that preach the coming of the light.

I am the baptist of the leaves
that peer above the April soil
and tendril hope in emerald verse
to cleanse the pagan garden dirt,

but only lay the nest of that 
which must come later. I regret
I'm not the swan of human myth
that floats poetic on a lake

then sings my one seraphic note
upon my death. Indeed I am
but flesh that dies before the bloom
which glows an iridescent psalm.

8/1/19
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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De Beaulieu Avatar
September 4, 2019 at 12:55 PM
Hello Dale, I have enjoyed this poem. I do enjoy nature poems. This made me feel part of the scenery. have a nice day my friend.
Blodgett Avatar
September 3, 2019 at 12:07 PM
Beautifully gorgeous and deliciously flowing word to word, feeling to feeling, a gem of a poem. Lonna
Cozart Avatar
September 3, 2019 at 2:22 PM
Thank you, Lonna.
Toney Avatar
September 2, 2019 at 5:31 PM
This beautiful poem resonates with me on so many levels, Dale. A masterpiece in blank verse, and a Fav for me. Congratulations on your podium finish! ~Mark
Cozart Avatar
September 2, 2019 at 5:57 PM
Thanks so much, Mark.
Hamilton Avatar
August 15, 2019 at 8:19 AM
Wonderful writing Dale, I especially like the spiritual references as connected to nature, I have to fave this beauty!
Cozart Avatar
August 15, 2019 at 8:38 AM
Thanks very much, John.
Marcum Wong Avatar
August 13, 2019 at 11:04 AM
This breathtaking beauty had me in tears by the third stanza. You have the ability to pull such emotion from the reader. The imagery in this piece is beyond beautiful. Of course I'm going to Fave this wonderful poem. This is Poet of the week material. If not Poet of the week then POTD. I wish I could write like this. Aloha, Connie : ) xxoo
Cozart Avatar
August 13, 2019 at 11:10 AM
Thank you so much, Connie. I am always honored by your kind, encouraging words.
Wanter Avatar
August 11, 2019 at 11:00 AM
I just ran across this wonderful poem. I am going to fav it of course, and fav you. Everytime I read one of your poems, I am enthralled.
Cozart Avatar
August 11, 2019 at 2:44 PM
Aw, SW, how very kind of you.
Dietrich Avatar
August 9, 2019 at 9:37 PM
as usual, I am totally enchanted by your poetry. FAVE
Cozart Avatar
August 10, 2019 at 8:09 AM
Thanks very much, Andrea.
Rodrigues Avatar
August 9, 2019 at 8:44 AM
Very beautiful, Dale! I am enamored! Fave
Cozart Avatar
August 9, 2019 at 8:51 AM
Thanks so very much, Kim.
Ashley Avatar
August 4, 2019 at 8:34 PM
I am spellbound within the rhythm, magic and beauty of your poem, Dale. Exquisite poetry is guaranteed from your talented pen. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan
Cozart Avatar
August 5, 2019 at 8:35 AM
Thanks so much, Susan.
Ravidas Avatar
August 3, 2019 at 8:07 AM
Oh, that's the real whiteness of the true blank verse. It is a great pleasure for the reader to admire it. Faved it.
Cozart Avatar
August 3, 2019 at 8:20 AM
Thanks very much, Kurt.
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