by Antoinette M.
Member since:
February 16, 2006

Springtime in My Garden

May 02, 2006 10:57 AM EDT (Updated: May 03, 2006 01:06 PM EDT)
views: 37 | rating: 10/10 (9 votes) | comments: 18
Butterflies and dragonflies
Songbirds, doves and hummingbirds
Congregate in my urban Eden
 
Deep purple iris, coral hibiscus
Bright pink caladium, lavender daylilies
Entice my early morning eyes 
 
Aquatic hyacinth, rose Nymphea
Blue Flag and fragrant spider lilies
Proliferate in my shimmering pond
 
Black speckled Shubunkin
Red headed, fan tailed Sarassa
Frolic beneath the glinting waterfall
 
Bright sunshine, warm southern flow,
Cool rains, dancing dappled shade
Invitations of growth and change
 
Frogs, toads, little green snakes
Turtles, lizards and salamanders
Bask on flagstones undisturbed
 
Caterpillars, grasshoppers
Lacewings, skippers and ladybugs
Perpetuate the cycle of Life
 
Aromas of pine and rosemary
Honeysuckle, newly mown grass
Delight my Springtime nose
 
Birdsong, bee buzz, whispering breeze
Wind chime tinkle and fountain splash
Fill my ears with peaceful sound
 
Fresh cup of coffee, a book of poems
Sunglasses and wide brimmed hat
Lounging beneath my big green umbrella
 
Tranquility, Serenity, at last
Relaxing in the morning calm
And then I notice a weed
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Comments: 18

Richard Frisbie May 2, 2006, 11:07am EDT
Sweet! I could be stuck inside (Could? I am!) and still feel as if I'm in your garden - Beautiful - THANKS!
Faith H. May 2, 2006, 11:33am EDT
A beautiful vision of a trip around your garden, Antoinette, I wish mine were as pretty. So peaceful sounding indeed! Thanks.
0000-twobraincells-0000 May 2, 2006, 4:02pm EDT
My 'garden' is mostly weeds with this one little flower that refuses to be intimidated....I care for this flower...replant and try to protect it.
Cheryl C. May 2, 2006, 4:16pm EDT
I'd like to have a tea party in this gorgeous garden. I can overlook a weed or two. Very evocative with treats for every sense.
Antoinette M. May 2, 2006, 9:59pm EDT
My daughter and I have lunch in the garden on Tuesdaya and Thursdays after her morning classes. You are welcome to join us any time. Better yet, how about a glass of wine at sunset?
Cheryl C. May 2, 2006, 10:04pm EDT
Next time I'm in NO, I'll be over a cup of something. I wish it were this weekend. My sister said she's not ready for guests again quite yet.
Annina Anton May 3, 2006, 5:51am EDT
That is just so sweet...lovely to behold and lovely to imagine...until that last line. I chortled out loud. Thanks for sharing this. :-)
Antoinette M. May 3, 2006, 1:12pm EDT
Cheryl, I've worked so hard to restore my garden after the storm. The roof still leaks after having been replaced twice and repaired three times, so I still have carpet to replace and painting to be done. But I have no control over the roof, so I've put my efforts into my garden sanctuary. I'm ready to entertain out there, but the house is still a disaster ... livable, but certainly not ready for company.
Antoinette M. May 3, 2006, 1:18pm EDT
Richard, for four years, I was stuck in an office with no windows. I created a gardenscape with a plant, a fishbowl and desktop fountain in a corner of my cubicle to keep myself from going insane.
Antoinette M. May 3, 2006, 1:22pm EDT
Faith, Annina
You know how gardens can become obsessions. But since the hurricane, my garden has become my salvation. I would surely have lost my mind without it.
Antoinette M. May 3, 2006, 1:27pm EDT
John, sometimes you have to let your garden decide the kind of plants it wants. Go find more of your little flower's sisters and brothers and let them make themselves at home. My theory is that if it looks nice and doesn't make a nuisance of itself, it's not a weed.
Mimi Mieux May 3, 2006, 3:43pm EDT
This sounds so pretty. I enjoyed "being there" with you!
Love the last line!! I hear ya!
Thanks for this- I feel refreshed.
Michael M. May 3, 2006, 3:45pm EDT
I really, really enjoyed this Antoinette. Thank you very much.
Cheryl C. May 4, 2006, 7:27am EDT
I hear that, Antoinette. My Aunt has also used her garden as sanctuary and therapy. When I think of New Orleans, it's her porch that first comes to mind- !/2 half block from City Park, and very near the fairgrounds.
Kathryn E. May 6, 2006, 2:31am EDT
Your garden is beautiful, as is your mind, Antoinette.
John F Walter May 8, 2006, 12:35pm EDT
Antoinette, I just can't tell you how much I admire the specificity of the language used here: the careful and accumulative naming of all the wondrous winged creatures and animals small and large, and gorgeous flora of your garden, assembles the words in rows of thick description, giving all the species a sense of uniqueness, and all of their naming words a weight, a concreteness. You have a delight in your garden and the sensory apparatus to fully appreciate it. You are blessed with a rare sense of beauty, and you bless us by bringing us into your abundant surroundings , and helping us see it as you do. This poem goes on my kitchen door.
I am writing my own garden poem at the moment, and seeing this splendid performance only inspires me on.
jessie voigts May 10, 2006, 10:02pm EDT
love this! esp the human touches - the coffee, books....i love weeds. they have their own beauty, too. my granny used to pay us 1 penny for each dandelion we'd dig up. we got RICH!!!
Aunt Boni H. Mar 8, 2008, 10:12pm EST
Put on a fresh pot, Antoinette. I'll be right over.

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