When you’ve lived your life
to your coral best
wither surrounds you
a curled past
strewn in dimness
fills your lowered gaze
how do you not
despite proud stem
drop one tear?
When you’ve lived your life
to your coral best
wither surrounds you
a curled past
strewn in dimness
fills your lowered gaze
how do you not
despite proud stem
drop one tear?
My neighbors’ yards bejewelled
by April cloisonne
— tulips’ dazzling hues
bowing in the May —
shine more brightly
than does mine
with shyly clever
columbine.
In canny metamorphosis
it changes jester hat
for coronet of wings —
a tulip can’t do that!
As spring gives way to summer
and tulips sag to brown
my columbine laughs last
in green and ruffly mound.
chambered cup
goblin’s basket
for picnic sup.
Woven cradle
comfy bed
seeds will sleep
snow-blanketed.