flowers

Magnolias in Mid-April

beaten by a week’s harsh rain
magnolia blossoms
wither and brown
while budding green leaves
make their attempts
at succor

Oleander

traipsing along on over-large shoes
a child makes her dainty way
over the old garden path of oleander

Roses

white roses trailing over the trellis
beckon would-be paramours
and shyly proclaim
their worthiness for love

to capture the yellow heart
of the brilliant iris
van Gogh cheats
with a brighter paint

I like to buy my loved ones flowers
because they express a sentiment
that stays and blooms for weeks

red gladiolas and carnations
bring color against
an unusually cold
lunar new year

Carnations

blooming carnations
in the midst of winter;
an everyday wonderment

A vase on the table
A gift from a friend
Flowers for beauty
A nice gesture to send

Butterfly and Asters

I thought I was the only one
who rejoiced when the asters
lingered

Though their kin departed,
one late butterfly
finds more than beauty

He discovers respite
and sustenance
to live another day.

A touch of melancholy
fades colors to gray

Although the sun is warm
and the smiles genuine
somehow all is tainted
before they reach
my heart

Like a late blossom
it shrivels before
unfurling its petals –

Past the season:
no fruit to be fruitful.