She Let Her Flowers Bloom

She was a late bloomer in the love department.
Her biological time clock had been ticking for years.
Everyone wondered if she would ever get married.
 
Later, she started to wonder that too, and about children.
Education had given her some smarts, but only a beginning.
Time ticked and her self-worth took a big crash into oblivion.
 
Her only thoughts were of her childhood, punishments, and failures.
Every waking moment was spent writing down the “to do’s” for the day.
Remembering anything at all soon became impossible, after the accident.
 
Flowers filled the fruitful trees and gardens around her.
Laughter of children outside her window; she no longer took notice.
Overcome and shriveled, her life trying to be good enough took its toll.
What was she thinking!
Every happy person she knew had a fragrant flower germinating within.
Remembering her dreadful past must be buried; a new seed must grow.
 
Before long, wisdom had evolved into a family.
Laughter of her own children filled every room of her house.
Opulent motherhood brought and gave love everlasting.
Over her many years of parenting, she had two goals:  Life and self-love.
Many years later, she thanked God; she let her children, like flowers, bloom.


NOTE:  This acrostic poem relates to Debbie’s wise words that, “The important thing is 
that we live true to ourselves and cause the great flower of our lives to blossom.”  This 
poem is about a woman who lived for others instead of herself, but was fortunate 
enough to learn the same wisdom that Debbie spoke of in time to allow her own 
children to freedom to grow and live through mistakes and success so that they were 
able to be true to themselves when they grew up.  (I hope I succeeded at this, too.)

Copyright January 20, 2013
Dane Ann Smith-Johnsen

Written for Poetry Soup Member’s Contest: Words of Wisdom 
Sponsored by Debbie Guzzi
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Hamilton Avatar
January 22, 2014 at 1:27 PM
very good enjoyed it Dane Ann congrats on win Shadow x smile hugs
Smith-Johnsen Avatar
January 22, 2014 at 3:53 PM
Thanks for stopping to read, Shadow, and for the congratulations.
May Avatar
January 22, 2014 at 11:20 AM
I like the message imparted in this write...congrats on your win
Smith-Johnsen Avatar
January 22, 2014 at 3:54 PM
Thanks for your much appreciated comment and for the congratulation, Joe.
Britt Avatar
January 21, 2014 at 10:52 PM
Great piece, Dane Ann. I have not read many acrostic pieces, but I enjoyed the narrative. CTB
Smith-Johnsen Avatar
January 22, 2014 at 7:31 AM
Thanks, Christopher. I'm glad that you enjoyed the narrative. I usually incorporate rhyme and rhythm in most of the acrostic poems that I write. I don't feel that adequate at free verse, so since NO end rhyme was part of the contest's criteria, I figured I would write an acrostic, which may or may not have rhyme. It does sound amazingly like a narrative story, but when reading vertically, the first letter of each line spells it out. "SHE LET HER FLOWERS BLOOM" Thanks for taking the time to leave your most appreciated comment. I am very glad that you enjoyed it. Big Smiles.
Dietrich Avatar
January 21, 2014 at 6:50 PM
very nice response to Deb's contest theme. I was thinking of doing one but it seems to be passing me by!!! It was sure nice to hear back from you today.
Smith-Johnsen Avatar
January 22, 2014 at 7:25 AM
Thank you, Andrea, for stopping by to read and comment on my poetry. I was feeling a little rusty. I have been writing some, but most of those were for co written books. They are spiritual and inspirational in content. I haven't done much recreational writing until recently! I am so glad that I wrote for Debbie's contest. It almost passed me by, too. Many last minute entries, like mine. Life is full! I hope all is well with you and yours. Thanks again for your encouraging words. Big Smiles, Dane
Hessler Avatar
January 20, 2014 at 1:28 PM
that's a beautiful piece i love the message conveyed in here
Smith-Johnsen Avatar
January 20, 2014 at 6:09 PM
Thanks, Anne, for enjoying the message I tried to express. So glad you stopped by to read-- Big SMiles, Dane
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