MY OLD NEIGHBORHOOD
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
crackerbox houses
a house a plumber
could afford,
barely.
I recall the pecan tree,
remembering
how I spent many afternoons
writing stories and poems under its branches.
the street was once charged with life~
kids walking to and from school,
playing kick-the-can, hide ‘n seek,
hopscotch, and red rover.
streetlights told us
it was time to go home.
but the years brought change
what was once full of life
is now silent.
Everyone has moved on.
But in my mind’s eye, I can still see
the cracks in the sidewalk,
the rustling of the pecan tree,
the setting sun while drinking iced tea on the front porch,
and smelling dinner cooking as it wafted through the open windows.
*Note: This poem was originally published at Poetry Soup, June 2025, and Lucky Jefferson Literary Magazine, July 2025.
In the spring of '23, at first, all looked pretty and free.
The first year in our new home, we anticipated a beautiful canopy
as the trees began to bear buds and beautiful blossoms. But then
came a late freeze and changed the flow of green. The results were
huge, and the flowers and trees probably were a bit confused.
No different from you or myself, they retreated to return later.
Indeed, they did return but came with lots of limbs and leaves.
So, this summer, the peaches and plums were nonexistent.
All of mankind has learned to never take it personally,
because whether it's bad weather or a dreaded disease,
life and Mother Nature will often refuse to please.
Our Crape Myrtles were not nearly as lovely as last year.
Yet, they are doing their best with never a tear.
And the peach and plum trees have not a single fruit.
The young pecan tree died but fortunately, not from the root.
Two out of three mulberry bushes somehow managed and made it.
Although young, they were fruitful and in them, there was 'no quit'.
They endured both the challenges and the climate change; and they
wisely built defenses, making adjustments and rearrangements.
090523PS
The prior property owners planted the most beautiful flowers.
We took possession last December, and this is our first spring.
For the first time, I noticed a lovely flower a few days ago
and last Sunday afternoon, pointed it out to our neighbor.
Upon seeing that flower, I sensed an air of stealth and utter
secrecy, and as I stared at her, being arrested and captured
by her beauty, I was mesmerized by her stunning presence.
Why, it was one of the most beautiful maroon blossoms that I
had ever seen. She is a Super Lily, and I have named her Miss
Maroon. She and other lilies are growing at the foot of the
second of four Crepe Myrtles, trees of which are causing me
doubts about their flowering displays this year. Anyway,
I must say that Miss Maroon pleases me well this year.
The young pecan tree which grows about 15 feet away appears
to have been shocked by a late freeze and is struggling
for survival and might be calling it quits for this year.
Miss Maroon's other neighbors are a scattering of red roses,
marigolds, and a cactus plant whose beautiful yellow coloring
I am greatly anticipating. But for now, it's all about Miss Maroon.
052523PS
there stands
such
a gracious
elderly lady
positioning
herself
in the confines
of my fenced
back yard,
silent
as she speaks,
nor moving
her limbs
until the winds
comes
to rob her
of her dress,
swaying green
fabric,
but still
proud,
full of life
bearing
her children,
not
one or two,
but countless
numbers
all held close
to her breast,
growing,
waiting,
now,
in the late
time of fall,
each child
ready
to free
themselves,
a wave
goodbye
as she
reluctantly
watches
them
leave home.
spring green leaves
'pon the pecan tree....
gold full moon appears
"Salad Days"
My days, I find,
Are as full as I choose to make them now.
I may opt to spend the day
Watching the birds at play
In my wobbly old bird bath.
Or pass a smile
Watching the squirrels
Delighting over the treats
I’ve offered them in the ancient pecan tree.
Or trekking out to the back fence
To deliver some welcome indulgence
To the neighboring pups who beckon to me daily.
Some days I spend in indulgence.
Some I spend in chores to earn my keep.
Some I spend bonding in bed with my pups
To keep my heart in good working order.
I am the Queen of my realm.
I am the recipient of a life well earned.
I am one who is ever grateful to God
For the blessings that He has given to me
…..every day
………….for the rest of my life.
Jb pearce
1/6/2022
Snow Birds
Written: by Miracle Man
January 2, 2021
Chickadees, Finches, Cardinals and Wren,
at peace with each other neath our Pecan tree.
Unaware of size, or color, as it is with men,
each seemingly content at just being free.
The snow is covering their choice of meal,
but they live the role God intended for each.
But like social injustice that many men feel,
they peck at something that lies out of reach.
Dawn’s Serenity
By: Miracle Man
October 3, 2020
The street light is severed by Pecan tree branches,
leaving abstract designs painted on the ground.
Fog, taciturnly, engulfs our yard in patches,
and mornings hush is most enough to astound.
Knowing all to soon my world will awaken,
but for this brief moment I experience repose.
I’ll turn on the news and day will be shaken,
by political stupidity and Covid-19 throes.
a garden storm —
pecan tree topples
offing tattered flags
6/30/2018
Falling ever helplessly
Into a burning sea
Of passion and desire
Where Rraine surpasses me
Comforted of saving grace
Unending empathy
Rising to a cloud of peace
Where Rraine inspires me
Now my life’s a billow
A churning fantasy
A blanket and a pillow
Where Rraine amazes me
Longing for a day of Rraine
Under a pecan tree
My thoughts a scorching desert
Where Rraine refreshes me
Expressly of my hopes and dreams, the passion in my heart
These words I now declare to you, a token for my part
I’m saving all my kisses up, just one dream to fill
Soon I will deliver them on Singletary Hill
One day I will marry you under a pecan tree
Linda Loraine I promise you, fate will set us free
All to your very own, please have me if you will
Forever in your loving nest on Singletary Hill
And if I have my way, we’ll never cry again
But loving tears of joy will guide us now and then
You’ll never have to spend, much less beyond your will
One single solitary day on Singletary Hill
I'm thinking about rhyme and meter
but also my kidneys and my liver.
The nation-state and the failed state
and whether killers should be executed
or forgiven. Meditate on this: Thy
will be done. Do what has to be done
don't ask why. Clean the dishes and the house.
Will I be left to my own resources
or will all be given? Nevermind
what you can't imagine. Living's
life's priority. Friends are merely friendly,
they're in the majority. Loneliness
is the default position. Rain happens.
We supply the reasons.
How do people process their lives without art?
By caring not.
Ignore
yr autobiography.
In olden days, if you couldn't stand to pee
the family buried you under the pecan tree.
As the Crow soars across the gray sky
And lands 'pon Pecan Tree
Whose tender green sways with the breeze
And Crow's caw floats with ease
I shiver in my thin nightcoat
Though it is not that cold
Princess shivers with me in her coat
Rooster's crows float bold
Such a gray morn dripping damp
Sunshine's brightness hidden
Like a wick without kerosene
Or kisses forbidden
Just for fun on a gray day!!!
iridescent crow
sits near top in pecan tree..
nuts cracked under tires
intelligent bird
has cars and trucks do his work..
training future flock
fall's angular sun
tops pecan tree''s limbs
crow rides tender branch
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