This time of the year
when the cannas sadly droop,
Ma is saving kitchen scraps
from recent repasts
for a hearty winter soup,
and decorations go up.
Too early I think
with the Christmas ornaments
for commercial purposes
slighting Halloween
and Thanksgiving gatherings.
I shall complain bitterly.
No one will listen!
Some say I am Mister Scrooge
I can stand only so much
happiness and joy,
cash registers dinging loud
facing the mad shopping crowds.
Each year it gets worse
when the cannas sadly droop,
and Ma saves scraps for the soup
decorating starts,
and I complain bitterly
but no one listens or cares.
Written September 12, 2022
Categories:
cannas, autumn, christmas, holiday, september,
Form: Sedoka
Peonies and cannas are blooming along my walk
While birds are tweeting messages to one another,
I suspect the small animals are taking care of young
A newborn spring fawn stays close to its mother.
I am certain the newly built Robin’s nest has eggs
And I see the chimney swifts chasing insects on wing
The sounds of spring are delightful to my hearing,
Even the chimes on my neighbor’s front porch ring.
A fox is scoping out a flock of chickens scratching
The peace interrupted as a crow begins to squawk,
Signaling to the banties and biddies danger is near
I spy overhead the silhouette of a red-tailed hawk.
A simple life includes the sights and sounds of spring
The joys of a walk through the meadow in the sun,
Pleasures derived from a lifetime of love for nature
Anticipating good weather and a hot summer’s fun.
Written May 15, 2022
Categories:
cannas, animal, bird, flower, nature,
Form: Quatrain
red cannas fading
like last year's old, worn-out scarves
sad to see them go
written September 11, 2021
Categories:
cannas, autumn, flower, garden, sad,
Form: Haiku
Hollyhocks blossom in shades white to black,
And a myriad of dramatic colors in between,
With a colossal height other beauties lack,
Long drowsy days charm all my garden green!
Cannas bloom in red, orange, yellow or pink,
And the loftiest ones can reach twelve feet,
Spreading joy for miles like sunset's blink,
Among lilies there waits a blissful retreat!
Delphiniums can grow as tall as seven feet,
So admired by flitting rose red butterflies,
Advancing skyward like cobalt blue parakeets,
When deep-colored summer is just on the rise.
Categories:
cannas, beautiful, flower, garden, growth,
Form: Rhyme
gentle rain falling
red cannas taking a drink
makes me thirsty, too
written June 28, 2021
Categories:
cannas, flower, water,
Form: Haiku
patch of cannas
double dwarf almost red....
fog shrouded
Categories:
cannas, flower,
Form: Haiku
Pensive Walk
Autumn winds are sorting;
Some limbs this day are cracking, falling,
While there are those that split and cling
Green cored, they do not break but bend.
And I will walk and walk and shuffle
Through wooded leaf cushioned paths,
Believing these will be seen again where
Tall cannas, sunflowers, sleep in depths waiting.
Yes, I will walk, I will breath,
Agog at jeweled leaves with supernatural hope,
That we will meet again
On the other side of Winter.
Categories:
cannas, analogy,
Form: Free verse
Attention
You, circling the pool on your trike, I lost count so many times,
watering red and yellow cannas.
A deep green muck of marsh long unattended.
I sprayed their thirsty roots as I heard the splash.
Turning, not seeing you, I dove in my pajamas
frantically searching, time rushing.
I found your wrist and pulled you free.
I checked. I felt no breath - no rise in chest
I couldn’t lose you.
My mind racing - I pressed my mouth upon yours
breathing into you deep and long
seconds, minutes
I breathe for you. I breathed you.
Your chest rose, just a little.
Our breath passing between us, exchanging in and out
give and take - yours and mine
until you take your own
Both coughing, both crying, both breathing
I didn’t lose you.
I hold you and all we do is breathe.
Each breath releasing my tears.
Each breath you take
separating me from you
once more.
Published: Boston Literary Review
Categories:
cannas, confusion, fear, life, love,
Form: Free verse