L Milton Hankins Poet Rhyme

Vicissitudes of Spring

Raindrops sprinkle spent dogwood petals on the lawn 
While tiny bluebirds perch in nearby mulberry, stalling, 
Awaiting the drizzle’s end, fussing at a week-old fawn 
Who grazes unaware sharp crystal droplets are falling, 
Raining down like tiny sharp fragments of shrapnel. 
Afternoon planting, too, must wait ‘til morrow’s dawning 
Lest fragile seedlings, soaked through, hear death’s knell, 
Rotting from the roots, fall over, their life withdrawing 
The vicissitudes of spring promise both life and death: 
The mingling of joy and sorrow, reflected in nature here 
On my lawn, in my garden; mirroring life’s fragile breath, 
Proper Mother Nature making her message indelibly clear.


Ranked 54th in Poetry Soup's 100 Top Poems

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Caren Krutsinger March 17, 2021 at 2:24 AM This is a beautiful write. "The vicissitudes of spring promise both life and death: The mingling of joy and sorrow, reflected in nature here " Romantical. L Milton Hankins March 17, 2021 at 8:05 AM Thanks, Caren. I appreciate your kind words.

Judy Ball March 16, 2021 at 1:08 PM Beautiful Milton. I'm still anxiously waiting for the frost danger to end. Great lines here. Loved it. God Bless, JB L Milton Hankins March 16, 2021 at 4:19 PM Thanks, Judy. It was a fun write.

Carolyn Devonshire March 16, 2021 at 12:49 PM It is always wonderful to get back outside and work in the garden as spring arrives, Milton. There is little I enjoy more and I get the feeling you feel the same. God bless Mother Nature for bringing spring to us! Lovely poem that makes me want to go outside. Hugs, Carolyn L Milton Hankins March 16, 2021 at 12:58 PM So true, Carolyn, so true. This afternoon, I sat on the front porch in the warm breeze for the first time since last year! Spring is my favorite season because it promises summer is coming! I hope you get outdoors soon.

Maurice Rigoler March 16, 2021 at 9:39 AM Every season is two-faced, but spring is often the worse wearer, at least in my neck of the country. March and April are often the most treacherous, with windy nor'easters and flooding rains, or frozen ground thawed to deep mud by unexpected high temperatures, making a quick end to welcoming flowers and newly prepared gardens. Of course, as New Englanders we're use to that. / Maurice L Milton Hankins March 16, 2021 at 9:47 AM I've never lived in New England, but I would suspect what you said. Thanks for reading my poem and commenting. I always pay attention to what you say, Maurice.

Richard Lamoureux March 16, 2021 at 9:28 AM What Gershon so eloquently said. Well done my friend. ;0) L Milton Hankins March 16, 2021 at 9:48 AM Thanks so much, Richard. Spring is tricky, and there are so many poems written about spring. I guess I just felt compelled to add to the mix. Thanks for coming by!

Gershon Wolf March 15, 2021 at 8:01 PM Wonderfully themed, Milt: Nature as a mirror to life, and vice versa. Life and death, with some unaware, and others victims of the cruel roulette wheel. Lovely penned! ~ Gershon L Milton Hankins March 15, 2021 at 8:54 PM Thanks so much, Gershon. I have been writing too much for contests, so it was nice to just let the Muse flow and do something for the sheer joy of it. Your thoughts are so appreciated.