Premiere Contest WinnerThe Dogwood

The blood and lapis daylight sets
in ether. How the mind resets
brutality of winter chill
with February's codicil;
what gossamer a dream begets.

I hear the crickets in the dark,
their clicking takes up where the lark
has been. The flagrant marigolds
have huddled into twilight's folds,
on sanguine nightfall to embark.

The eastern zephyrs fall and rise
with rapid movement of my eyes
and echo whispers midnight makes
of blood white trails on moonlit lakes.
In silhouette I recognize

a dogwood, though can only sense
its glowing coral consequence.
The blossoms tell me they comprise
sweet spawn of sun rays in disguise
and capture all my heartbeats hence.

Now honeysuckle is entwined
on crisscrossed pathways of my mind
with jasmine in a potpourri
to conjure shamrock reverie
that leaves the pewter scape behind.

Around the lambent dogwood tree
alone upon that verdant lea
buds can prosper, bees will hum.
As though seduced by opium
I greet a vista I can't see,

at least not quite. I know it's there
and feel the dogwood everywhere,
behind me, flanking left and right,
an omnipresence in the night,
like answers to unconscious prayer.

Now high upon a clovered scarp
the tree is standing clear and sharp.
In silence I see restless blooms
play music that my ear assumes
is chiming dulcet as a harp.

Such Efflorescent star bursts splay
like windmills on a gusty day
that in ebullience do portend
a vibrance that will never end
and all my reticence allay.

In waking to a winter storm
that's February's gelid norm
I long still for my fulgid tree,
resplendence that surrounded me,
but only meet a turbid swarm.

I rise and pull back hermit drapes
to see the torrid flurries traipse,
yet through the chaos can discern
the leafless frame for which I yearn
beyond the window storming scrapes.

The dogwood stands just as before
unclad upon the icy moor
with nascent berries undeterred
as though through humble verse and word
like daylight through an unclosed door.

2/23/18
Strength Thru Adversity
Gregory R. Barden
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Ashley Avatar
April 5, 2019 at 9:40 PM
I'm happy to return once again, Dale, to offer my congratulations on your excellent trophy win with this fabulous and enchanting poem. It was truly a pleasure to read this gem again. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Cozart Avatar
April 6, 2019 at 8:09 AM
Thank you, Susan. Nice to hear from you.
Roper Avatar
April 3, 2019 at 10:01 PM
Fantastic write, Dale, congratulations on well deserved win. Hugs Eve ~`*
Cozart Avatar
April 4, 2019 at 8:15 AM
Thank you, Eve.
Marcum Wong Avatar
April 2, 2019 at 10:08 PM
Dale, this poem is a masterpiece that even the great master poets of the past would envy. You certainly deserve your well earned trophy! A fave and keeper for me! Outstanding my friend! : ) xxoo
Cozart Avatar
April 3, 2019 at 8:00 AM
Thank you very much, Connie.
Barden Avatar
June 26, 2018 at 2:14 AM
Had to read this again, as I get something new each time, and it leaves me with thoughts and ideas tumbling ... I find this wonderfully thoughtful and rhythmic, with a commanding word usage - superb.
Cozart Avatar
June 26, 2018 at 8:07 AM
Thanks very much, Greg.
Duncan Avatar
April 10, 2018 at 2:32 AM
Nicely done :)
Cozart Avatar
April 10, 2018 at 8:21 AM
Thanks, Debbie.
Barden Avatar
March 23, 2018 at 8:38 PM
Amazing imagery and flow - superb write! Warm regards and congrats on a well-deserved Honorable Mention, Dale - blessings as always, my friend - you never disappoint! :-)
Cozart Avatar
March 23, 2018 at 8:43 PM
Thanks much, Greg.
Ashley Avatar
February 27, 2018 at 8:25 PM
Returning with congratulations for your wonderful win Dale with your exquisite poem..
Hamilton Avatar
February 27, 2018 at 8:32 AM
Amazing write Dale, I never knew Dogwood could inspire so much, you truly are a word chef, presenting potent palatable plates with the most meager of ingredients. Congrats on a great placement in the contest!
Cozart Avatar
February 27, 2018 at 8:42 AM
Thanks very much, John.
Gauthier Avatar
February 27, 2018 at 8:10 AM
Awesome image and rhythm. Marvelously done, Dale. Congrats on your most deserving win.
Cozart Avatar
February 27, 2018 at 8:31 AM
Thanks so much, Line.
Scars Avatar
February 27, 2018 at 5:52 AM
WOW is all I can say! The great usage of metaphorical language astounded me. I usually am not a fan of longer poems but I never wanted this to end! congrats and thank you :)-luloo
Cozart Avatar
February 27, 2018 at 9:46 AM
Thank you, Laura.
Dietrich Avatar
February 25, 2018 at 6:04 PM
EXCELLENT verse from you, Dale. Wow, is it for any of the challenges? It is worthy of one of those gold trophy's!!!
Cozart Avatar
February 25, 2018 at 6:08 PM
Thanks so much, Andrea. No, I have not entered it into any contests. Maybe one day.
Ashley Avatar
February 25, 2018 at 12:34 PM
Applause!! Applause for this fabulous dreamscape you have conjured Dale. Every line is simply so poetic and enchanting. You never cease to enthrall me with your lush imagery and luscious rhythm and rhymes. Exquisite stanzas for start to finish, from dream to reality.. Warmest wishes!
Cozart Avatar
February 25, 2018 at 1:02 PM
Aw, thanks so much, Susan.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace