Carolyn Devonshire Poet Enclosed Rhyme

Notes About The Poem

My mother lived and died in her flower garden.  Having missed her for 34 years, I was surprised when a series of rain storms revived the Four O'Clocks she loved so much.  Their blooms open as if by magic each day at four o'clock.

Thankful For Four O'Clocks

The rain that seemed to wash my hopes away
Left an amazing gift for me to find
Beyond the puddles that remained behind
New signs of life revived one summer day

I had not planted anything at all
'Twas Mom who wanted me to find this prize
Her efforts surely took me by surprise
Three decades passed; her smile I can’t recall

But in the yard where she drew her last breath
A bed of Four O’Clocks awoke one day
It was as if my Mom were there to say
“My love for you survived beyond my death”




*Written November 7, 2018
“Thankful Poetry Contest” hosted by Tania Kitchin

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Constance La France December 10, 2018 at 9:03 AM Carolyn, I knew this poem was a winner the first time I read it, congratulations on your awesome win ~

Joseph May December 7, 2018 at 6:30 PM A heartfelt write Carolyn..Congrats on your win.

Jan Allison December 7, 2018 at 5:22 PM Dropping back with my congratulations on your win Carolyn, a very worthy trophy winner:-) hugs Jan xx

Wendy Watson December 7, 2018 at 2:33 PM I enjoyed this the first time round and again re-reading it in the winners' list. Congratulations, Carolyn. I too have a special bush in the garden grown from fuschia cuttings from my Nan's cottage.

Brian Densham December 7, 2018 at 1:25 PM Very consoling thoughts considering the fragility of life. Very heartwarming. Thank you.

Charlie Smith December 7, 2018 at 11:32 AM What a warm heartfelt write Carolyn, a very deserving win, congratulations...

CayCay Godwin December 7, 2018 at 2:27 AM Congratulations on this winning poem - loved reading it. All the best ... CayCay

Debjani Mitra December 6, 2018 at 8:42 PM An excellent poem..such a touching theme

Tania Kitchin December 6, 2018 at 8:15 PM I absolutely loved your poem and the heartfelt tribute to your Mom, congratulations on your first place win! Carolyn Devonshire December 7, 2018 at 9:45 AM Thanks so much, Tania. I love seeing those four o'clocks, which are still blooming here in Florida. They will fade after the first frost, but will return in spring.

Sara Kendrick December 5, 2018 at 5:20 PM Excellent entry ..Reads like a good contender for the contest. Way to go. Thanks for the visit to my page. I have planted over the past few years several times something called Lunar Flower. It's like a morning glory but it blooms at night. I enjoy seeing it if I get up early in the morning before the sun brings a closing of the blossoms and sometimes I will go out at night right about dark so that I can see. it. Sara

James Marshall Goff November 28, 2018 at 12:59 AM As only you can do...deep from the heart, allowing the reader to share the ache, reminds me of your poems about your Father, almost too hard to re-visit....be well, jmg Carolyn Devonshire November 28, 2018 at 10:21 AM It's always a combination of joy and pain when we write about lost loved ones, Jim. I became active on Soup right after my father died, so there were many poems written for him. Mom's been gone a long time. Seeing these flowers was such a surprise.

Constance La France November 24, 2018 at 11:14 AM Carolyn, oh this is so lovely, my mother also loved her garden and four-o-clocks were one of her favorite too. Your poem touched me deeply, you are such a fantastic write, you put me in awe, best of luck in the contest, but already a winner to me and a FAV ~

Paul Callus November 18, 2018 at 1:37 PM Those flowers are as beautiful as your poem, Carolyn. Over here they grow wild, though some people keep them 'domesticated' in their gardens. This would have been ideal for a recent Enclosed Rhyme contest. ~ Love // paul Carolyn Devonshire November 19, 2018 at 9:49 PM Thanks, Paul. It was fun to write in the enclosed rhyme form.

Connie Marcum Wong November 13, 2018 at 1:09 PM This poem brought tear to my eyes Carolyn. The departed do indeed leave us gifts to remember them. A lovely tribute to your dear mom. I loved it! : ) Carolyn Devonshire November 19, 2018 at 9:52 PM I just know she was reaching out to me through these flowers, Connie. I've missed her so much for most of my life.

Gershon Wolf November 10, 2018 at 7:57 PM Such a poignant reminder of Mom, who never ever really leaves us. So happy for you that this has graced your life. Best wishes, Gershon

Tom Cunningham November 10, 2018 at 5:01 PM A lovely verse Carolyn, beautiful tribute to your mother. Tom.

Lyric Man November 10, 2018 at 8:11 AM Carolyn.. your moving tribute held me in a deep and philosophical muse. Your words transcend time and make one focus on the true essence of life.. Love!

CayCay Godwin November 10, 2018 at 8:09 AM I am feeling this, I'm so touched - though sad if you really don't remember her smile. This is very personal and wonderful and wonderfully personal - the feeling you got when you saw the flowers. I'm sure this is a winner, the strength of emotion should carry it first across the line. Poetry hugs ... CayCay Carolyn Devonshire November 10, 2018 at 2:47 PM I think, perhaps, the lawn had been mowed over this area for a long time. Still, it surprised me to see flowers spring from decades old seeds. Thanks for your lovely comments, CayCay. I'll visit your page.

Jack Horne November 9, 2018 at 3:43 PM haven't heard of four o'clocks but this was a lovely poem - love it x Carolyn Devonshire November 9, 2018 at 5:20 PM Thanks, Jack. Mirabilis jalapa is the technical name, but everyone calls them Four O'clocks. It's just the time of day when they bloom.

Anne-Lise Andresen November 9, 2018 at 1:17 PM - I have never heard this name of these flowers ... (right now I do not remember what they are called in Norwegian :) - A beautiful memory of your mother ... a deep touching poem, Carolyn - I wish you a wonderful weekend :) - hugs & <3 // Anne-Lise :) Carolyn Devonshire November 9, 2018 at 5:19 PM Thanks for spreading some Sunshine my way. Hugs, Carolyn

Vladislav Raven November 9, 2018 at 9:11 AM Hi Carolyn, what a beautiful write you have put before us. I wish you all the best in this contest with this winning poem. It touches the heart so gently as one does read each line. You write from the heart, painting such a beautiful canvas. Excellent , poetry that kisses the emotions. Have a wonderful Friday. Hugs....Mike. XX

Janice Canerdy November 9, 2018 at 8:36 AM What a beautiful, moving poem, Carolyn! I love it. Janice

Joanna Daniel November 9, 2018 at 8:12 AM Wow! It must be amazing to just look at them and recall your mother's love, Carolyn, beautiful poem:) Carolyn Devonshire November 9, 2018 at 11:25 AM It really is, Jo. There is such irony in the fact that they grow in the exact spot where Mom was found after her heart attack. I don't need to visit a grave; Mom's spirit is always with me. Thanks for reading and your nice comments, Jo.

Andrea Dietrich November 8, 2018 at 7:01 PM wow this is just a precious poem, Carolyn. What a clever way to do the theme. I need to hurry on this one. Looks like a great contest. Carolyn Devonshire November 9, 2018 at 4:27 AM You're sweet, Andrea. I had only a few other enclosed rhyme poems, but found this form to be fun and interesting.

Deb Radke November 7, 2018 at 8:13 PM I love this, Carolyn. So filled with love, hope and renewal. Especially your last line. My grandmother had Four O'Clocks in her garden as well and I miss her dearly. You've made me think of her tonight and for that I am grateful. My best. Deb Carolyn Devonshire November 9, 2018 at 4:30 AM I'm sorry you lost your grandmother. Do you know if there are still Four O'Clocks blooming in the area where she'd planted them? After the bloom falls off, there are seed pods you can pinch. Each pod is filled with many seeds, all having the capability of generating flowers--and you don't even have to plant the seeds. Wind carries them.

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