The Red Hibiscus
A red hibiscus bloomed
In the backyard yesterday
Reminding me of my mother
And things she used to say.
Like, “Oh, look at that butterfly
And the color of its wings,” and
“Don’t you just love this time of year,
It’s so uplifting in the Spring!”
She would doddle ‘round like a queen without a crown
Admiring all the plants and people living,
Seeing deeper than eyes can see
Rarely taking but always giving.
She loved plants and seeds of every kind
From azaleas to zinnia flowers,
And talked to them like family and friends
Any day or nighttime hour.
Daisies, tulips or marigolds
Roses, or chrysanthemums,
She loved them all, Spring, Summer or Fall
In shade or the open sun.
And there were times I was embarrassed
By her childlike, effervescent ways,
But in retrospect, I’d give anything
To have just one more day.
Of hearing her voice speak softly
Like she did when time stood still,
“I love the red hibiscus, son, and you,
I always will.
© Terrell Martin, 12/14/2024
Copyright © Terrell Martin | Year Posted 2024
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