On Stopping To Sniff A Dandelion

I believe, I may have missed the boat
The water’s deep, I couldn’t float
Perhaps the marks I set weren’t high
The tide’s in now – I’ll wave bye-bye

I read Thoreau and Frost, I know
Of wilderness and falling snow
Of Roads Not Taken tongue in cheek
Of singing trees and babbling creek

With pomp and ceremony flyin’
I stopped to sniff a dandelion
To watch a honey bee rejoice
At making such a tasty choice

I sit beside the croaking pond
A heron blending with the frond
A muskrat watches warily
A dragonfly upon my knee

My pants are frayed, my kayak weathered
I share my time with furred and feathered
Visiting these woods, their home
Leave them, as I came, alone
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Manassian Avatar
July 28, 2024 at 8:48 AM
Lovely! Thanks for taking us along this adventure and allowing to enjoy nature. Great write.
Willason Avatar
July 28, 2024 at 7:09 AM
Clever mind romp with plenty to take in...a pleasure to read John. The last line a clincher.
Wolf Avatar
July 27, 2024 at 8:33 PM
Me lik'em poem! ~ Big Chief Yellownose
Greenhough Avatar
July 27, 2024 at 2:11 PM
A good poem with a good message. I like the sound of camping in your poem.
Bauer Avatar
July 27, 2024 at 11:07 AM
john, i really like the imagery and the rhymes in this poem. lovely!
Allison Avatar
July 27, 2024 at 6:15 AM
John this is absolutely delightful it brings the reader a sense of calm, I especially love the thought of someone sniffing a dandelion - i just leave that to the bees lol - On Wednesday I saw my first EVER dragonfly since I've lived on the island. this poem is a gem John! hugs Jan xx
Lane Avatar
July 27, 2024 at 6:10 AM
Dandelions have a buttery scent that I’d prefer to the aroma of roses… worth stopping to sniff. These verses are off the chart in placing readers in the scene. Mentioning Thoreau and Frost was an excellent touch.
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