Monarch of Summer

I await your coming
for the flowers are blooming and the grass is high…
lilac branches still bare and shivering
in the laggard lion’s breath of March
they await your kiss, Monarch of summer.

purplish buds
sprout from gray lilac branches --
daffodils bloom

Though all the tulips are gone
having served as desert for gophers,
the worm and the grubs stir in the wet spring soil…
and the hyacinths have replaced the crocus’s blue
the paper narcissus now, scent the air.

red breasted robins
hop between hummocks of grass --
bird bathes fill with rain

From the within the green pupa, soon
you will stir ..the membrane will thin, sheer as a curtain
in a spring breeze adorned in polka dots 
and wings like the crinolines of spindle legged 
virgin daughters  at first communion...
you will emerge with lash long antennae ready to fly.

leaves of cone flowers
push through the brown soil of spring --
anthills rise

I await your coming
for the flowers are blooming and the grass is high…
lilac branches still bare and shivering
in the laggard lion’s breath of March
they await your kiss, Monarch of summer
butterflies born.

 
Forms: Free Verse & haiku
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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May Avatar
August 19, 2013 at 4:50 AM
lovely write Debbie...I love butterfly poems...best wishes
Macmillan Avatar
April 12, 2012 at 7:19 PM
Well! This one I would have topped over mine! I LOVE THIS. Putting it into my faves. The play of your verse-- like a tapestry. WOVEN. I love how you mingle the haiku (dare I say the word? Please?) like little hiding butterflies, little cocoons hovering above and below verse about little cocoons. Did it just happen? Was it intention? Quick write? Long. I WANT DETAILS. LOL. Man, I'm exhausted. Time for an herbal tea...
Poet Avatar
April 12, 2012 at 12:13 AM
Another beauty from you Debi.Emailed this poem to myself ;)Best wishes.
Dey Avatar
April 11, 2012 at 7:29 AM
Interesting and lovely poem dear poetess.
Chircop Avatar
April 10, 2012 at 6:15 AM
So very beautiful to read and read again dear ma
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
April 9, 2012 at 6:01 PM
Lovely poem Debbie, all the best in the contest I am sure it will do well xx
Grisetti Avatar
April 9, 2012 at 5:18 PM
A wonderful poem combining haiku with free verses. In the photo - isn't that a yellow swallowtail? It looks like the ones we get in our garden; with the blue on the tail, probably female. I do miss havingbulbs in the spring and the gorgeous scents.
Guzzi Avatar
April 9, 2012 at 5:56 PM
hmmm maybe they are the same thing? but I googles monarch?
Johnson-Saunders Avatar
April 9, 2012 at 5:13 PM
I understand, Debbie. I have sent the pesky bee Cyndi's way. If she doesn't take the "bite", that bee might come back for me! :)) Rhonda
Johnson-Saunders Avatar
April 9, 2012 at 12:06 PM
LOL...I promise you no naughty thoughts entered my mind. An innocent, poetic bumble bee being sent to you. Nothing to do but send him to someone else! Have fun. :))
Johnson-Saunders Avatar
April 9, 2012 at 11:32 AM
Hi, Debbie. You have been bitten in Linda-Marie's contest. I sent a little bee your way! :))
Andresen Avatar
April 9, 2012 at 7:36 AM
Well done Debbie. - Luck to you in contest! Hope you had a nice Easter. - oxox love Anne-Lise
Edwards Avatar
April 8, 2012 at 7:45 AM
Lovely Debbie.. Hugs xxx
A   Avatar
April 7, 2012 at 11:21 PM
nice Debbie... have a happy Easter..pd
Johnson-Saunders Avatar
April 7, 2012 at 11:07 PM
Beautiful Debbie! I love butterflies, especially the monarch. I'm hoping to plant a small butterfly garden next week. Your poem has inspired me. Thanks for sharing. Happy Easter to you, Rhonda :))
Cooper Avatar
April 7, 2012 at 7:00 PM
I like this one debbie!
May Avatar
April 7, 2012 at 5:12 PM
a fluttering beauty Debbie.. very nice
Bauer Avatar
April 7, 2012 at 4:40 PM
this is lovely! your words are just beautiful. good luck in the contest!
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