Trashy Neighborhood

For days cold wind has blown from the channel
but it has calmed to milder breeze today.
I feel a soft spring breath upon my cheek
and hope the gentleness is here to stay.

The strong gale stripped the apple tree of blossoms.
She's now content to show her advanced age
and steps aside in modest resignation
to let the sweet lilac take center stage.

Rhododendrons and azaleas are contenders
for lilac's glory when she starts to fade.
My garden beauties all demand attention,
sun lovers and the ones that thrive in shade.

While I was trapped indoors, the weeds kept growing,
taking my garden as their own domain.
Nature is a strong and stern taskmaster,
just waiting for a chance to grab the rein.

So Mistress Dandelion, I give you warning;
I'm coming with my spade and rake and hoe.
You are invading space reserved for others;
so pack your bags it's time for you to go.

Tell your friends I have eviction orders;
the elegant Miss Rose will be here soon.
She'd be offended by your wanton ways
at her big welcome party come this June.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

Poem

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A   Avatar
July 7, 2013 at 10:14 AM
JOYCE -CONGRATULATIONS!!! With your awesome winning write, in the 5th poem theme contest. always & forever * Linda
Anglesey Avatar
July 6, 2013 at 6:00 PM
Joyce, love your crafty verses and witty lines. The imagery is magical. Congrats on your win :)
Eastman Avatar
July 4, 2013 at 4:18 PM
Brilliantly written. A very enjoyable read... I just got the boot off my foot and was just shaking my fist at the weeds... Telling them they'd better beware, too.
Posey Avatar
July 4, 2013 at 2:37 AM
Joyce, your talent is so well documented by results such as this. You have great control over the King's English and I am always happy to visit your portfolio. There is always something there to satisfy my hunger for great poetry.. congrats on a wonderful win..... I love you dearly...Jake
A  Avatar
July 3, 2013 at 11:32 PM
JOYCE, Congratulations, <3:-) A wonderful 5th poem. thank you for choosing my contest........ ............. LOVE * SKAT
Merryman Avatar
December 3, 2011 at 2:29 PM
Excellent write, Joyce. Congrats on your win. Kim
Brown Avatar
November 30, 2011 at 6:44 AM
Congratulations on your win in P.D.'s "5th Poem on the Soup" contest Joyce. Love, Carol
Devnath  Avatar
November 29, 2011 at 11:07 PM
Congratulation on your wonderful and sweet win in the contest. Have a nice day, my friend. bl
A   Avatar
November 29, 2011 at 10:42 PM
JOYCE, ;-) ,.. Congratulations on your wonderful win!! Thank you for the support and honor of reading the 5th poem you posted on the soup. * Take care, and have yourself a great night,. ;-) ~p.d.
Quigley Avatar
November 29, 2011 at 10:30 PM
Bravo Joyce. Love it. Congratulations on your win in the 5th poem contest.
Adeite Avatar
August 16, 2009 at 9:36 AM
This is a wonderful, awesome piece, I love every bit of it. You are such a great poet. Please keep writing and congrats on your poem being featured this week. You are a great friend. Adeleke
Fraser Avatar
August 11, 2009 at 1:10 PM
Congratulations on your poetry being featured this week>>James
Mason Avatar
August 10, 2009 at 3:02 PM
Love the title on this very wonderful write! Great imagery and rhythm ... another wonderful write from you, Joyce! Congratulations on having it featured this week here at the Soup!!
Jordan Avatar
August 10, 2009 at 4:41 AM
Joyce - I wish to congratulate you on having your poetry featured this week – God bless you, MJ
Brown Avatar
August 10, 2009 at 3:30 AM
Congratulations on your poetry being featured this week Joyce. Lets see dandelion wine and dandelion greens yummy. Party Time? Love, Carol
Strand Avatar
August 9, 2009 at 11:54 PM
Congrats on your feature poem this week Joyce.rgds Brian
Smith-Johnsen Avatar
August 9, 2009 at 1:33 PM
Congratulations on being featured, Joyce. Gardening is so much fun. But I love dandelions, too. And hope they find a natural home beside my woodland's edge. I used to kill them, too. But that was before... I enjoyed your poem. Keep writing! DAS-J
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