The master gardener
grows a burgundy trellis
and decorates with dots of dew.
Buttercup
Shinning yellow
beacon of summer
buttercup is a kiss from the sun
Lady Slippers
These are the magic shoes that fairies wear
to the Pine Needle Ball each summer solstice.
The Artist
Indian Paintbrush colors the meadow
with embers of sunset.
Commonplace Alchemy
A single stem
an ordinary weed
the exquisite process of living.
Moth Magic
Fuzzy lemon drop
wings kissed by lavender
one pink leg steps forward
Auspiciousness
Marigold is the sun’s bride,
the guardian of goodness
at the garden’s gate.
Rose without Thorns
Beloved maiden of the garden
peony heals sorrow with her beauty.
God’s Eye
In every blossom
the divine is looking back at you.
Fleur-de-lis
Noble in color, royal in birthright
Iris is the garden’s rainbow goddess.
Honeysuckle
Heavenly scented, heady hedgerow
offering frilly goblets to hummingbirds.
Lilac
Prodigy of spring
sweetly scents
the warming days
Opportunity
Delve deep
into the pink
fleeting perfection.
Dew
Dew drops balance
on the tips of grass blades
until it is time to wed the earth.
Wishes
Scatter your wishes
farther than your feet will ever travel.
Dream dreams bigger than the universe.
Ancient Ones
Fern is the dinosaur
who still roams the earth
waving its dragon tail.
Divine Design
A single leaf
contains all the mysteries
of the world.
Living
In April the earth vibrates
with a growing, glowing green
that celebrates each second of aliveness.
Green Being
The soul of the violet is green
and houses all gradation of color
for it is more interested in particulars than generalities.
Magnolia in Winter
Your stylish furry jacket protects
your tender fragrant blossoms
from the elements of winter.
Beauty of Decay
Delicate lines, individual patterns, unique characteristics
these are the traits of spalting,
the mysterious work and beauty of decay.
Cartography
Like lines on a face
bark is the map of a tree’s experience
a testament to the demands of living.
Endurance
Dangling over the hard, frozen river
seedpods dance in the bitter winds of winter;
awaiting their new life flight on the gentle breeze of spring
and planting in soft, fertile ground.
Wreath
Eucalyptus and juniper berries
grace the door for the whole of winter
providing protection and beauty to the house inhabitants.
Math
The winter term is in session.
The pond provides a lesson in icy geometry.
Winter’s Impressionism
Still life of a winter’s day.
Alchemy
The spirit of Maxfield Parish frosted the ground
with a sorbet of oranges, purples and pinks.
A winter elixir that chills fairies’ drinks.
Nature’s Desire
Grass blades grow frost feathers.
Every molecule demanding that their place in the design be realized.
Nature’s desire is to manifest gloriousness.
Reeds
Humble, mighty reed
healer of land and water
sleep sweet in your frozen bed.
Plant Life
Defying winter’s gloom
perfect pink blossoms
are delivered for the New Year.