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

Garden Path

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

A Floral Admiration

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

Iris

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

Unambiguous

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

Color

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

Hothouse

blooming carnations
in the midst of winter;
an everyday wonderment

Flowers

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

The World for a Flower

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.

Necrosis

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.