On my knees, planting bulbs,
where a brisk, September breeze
chides these frowning fields;
seeks out secret burrows
of evening's creatures –
trees and bushes wreathed
in mists of distant memories.
Then, a harsh, December gale
blew across this barren land;
sunbeams skidded on frozen
puddles between the furrows,
and a gathering fog choked
all sound, save for a red deer’s
sharp bark slicing the silence.
Beneath the soil, they bided
their time, until finally,
patience is rewarded,
as a balmy, April breeze
courts the jaunty daffodils
and bashful narcissus –
each one a-nodding
on this, my ‘hollyhock hill’.
As a woman, I have learned
all there is to know about waiting –
felt those first, faint, stirrings
of life; smelt the rain. Listened
to the last rays of sun as they dim.
And dreamt of the nights
when I guarded my children –
soft, and sleeping.
Comments
Overthetop1 | April 6, 2011 - 15:47
Hi Tina - really nice read.Perfect for Spring. I love the last verse. Very evocative.
skinner_jennifer | April 6, 2011 - 16:06
Hi Tina.
this is perfect. As we get older and slow things
down, we can suddenly look and behold the beauty
around us, 'isn't that such a wonderful thing?'
I really think you have such a special gift with
your poetry.
Thankyou for the seasonal read.
Jenny.
Silver Spun Sand | April 6, 2011 - 16:22
Many thanks, OTT. Amazing how an afternoon in the April sunshine can make you feel. I hope it's a nice day where you are, of course. If not, I'll see if I can send some sun your way;-)
Tina
Silver Spun Sand | April 6, 2011 - 16:24
You are so right Jenny about growing older, and for the first time in your life, you stop taking things for granted. I know I have, especially in the last few days, but that's another story.
So pleased you enjoyed and many thanks for your wise and thoughtful words;-)
Tina
Highhat | April 6, 2011 - 17:28
Such a surge of emotions and I like the way you speak of waiting with child. Spring is truly wonderful especially if you can get close to nature as you have let us do here. Thank you
;)Pia
Silver Spun Sand | April 6, 2011 - 17:55
Glad you enjoyed, Pia and thanks for telling me in your customary eloquence;-)
Tina
seashore | April 7, 2011 - 07:27
Yes that last stanza is wonderful, rounds the poem off really well, Tina.
Silver Spun Sand | April 7, 2011 - 07:41
Many thanks, Coral;-)
Tina
fatboy74 | April 7, 2011 - 11:39
Love that red deer's sharp bark slicing the silence -a triumph. :-)
Silver Spun Sand | April 7, 2011 - 17:35
Thanks so very much, fb;-) More than appreciated.
Tina
SteveM | April 7, 2011 - 20:51
Hi Tina,
I particularly liked the lines:
'sunbeams skidded on frozen
puddles between the furrows'
That's exactly what happens, and you've managed to describe it... really excellent.
Steve
sue dinum | April 7, 2011 - 21:53
Hi Tina, just caught this one. I thought the final stanza was perfect, especially this bit:
And dreamt of the nights
when I guarded my children –
soft, and sleeping.
That was so nice. Night-night, Tina baby.
sue
Silver Spun Sand | April 8, 2011 - 10:24
Thanks so much, Steve;-) Pleased you liked it.
Tina
Silver Spun Sand | April 8, 2011 - 10:25
Many thanks. Hope you slept well;-)
Tina