Shy Lilies

In the orange tree
a fledgling mockingbird's
needle shriek
stabs the cochlear idyll
of our garden.

I can't bring myself 
to the cemetery
where summer's ascendant fahrenheit
pummels orchids on your grave
that I didn't place,
the very arcs of white halos
blooming beside the patio
in shaded numbness.

Now my prayer is for lilac silence
of shy lilies, forgetting last night
when dreaming of wishing blood
from roses on your stone.
In granite paralysis it wouldn't rise,
yet you were there beside me
and still alive.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Ravidas Avatar
May 9, 2019 at 3:25 PM
Fleur d’orange. Funeral roses. A botanical tragedy. Perfect.
Cozart Avatar
May 9, 2019 at 4:41 PM
Thanks very much for reading, Kurt.
Gentry Avatar
July 2, 2018 at 6:36 AM
Congratulations on your #1 win with this beautiful poem. Great imagery! :)
Cozart Avatar
July 2, 2018 at 8:31 AM
Thank you, Susan.
Krampe Avatar
July 1, 2018 at 3:57 PM
coming back with congrats.
Dutta Avatar
July 1, 2018 at 1:22 AM
Congrats Dale to win on this wonderful poem.Peace.
Cozart Avatar
July 1, 2018 at 7:39 AM
Thanks, Anisha.
Pandit Avatar
June 30, 2018 at 12:13 PM
Back with congrats on your first place win, Dale!
Cozart Avatar
June 30, 2018 at 12:19 PM
Thanks, Vijay!
Marcum Wong Avatar
June 27, 2018 at 9:03 PM
I always enjoy your poetry..Dale, and this is no exception. Wonderful writing! : )
Cozart Avatar
June 28, 2018 at 7:55 AM
Thanks so much, Connie.
Krampe Avatar
June 24, 2018 at 11:44 AM
I love the precise descriptive language of your images in this lovely poem.
Cozart Avatar
June 24, 2018 at 12:14 PM
Thanks very much, Agnes.
Allison Avatar
June 21, 2018 at 5:24 PM
you are no shrinking violet when it comes to writing awesome freeverse Dale, another gem flows from your golden pen:-) hugs Jan xx
Cozart Avatar
June 21, 2018 at 5:28 PM
Thanks so much, Jan!
Pandit Avatar
June 21, 2018 at 5:13 PM
Awesome poetry, Dale..every words resonates!
Cozart Avatar
June 21, 2018 at 5:28 PM
Thanks very much, Vijay.
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