Her sisters that live on the same block
Have been romancing bees for a while
But the one that lives in my backyard
Dwindles heedless as slow the day whiles
She’s heavy with pods, branches droopy
The butterflies can’t coax her: let go
I shake my head; talk dirty to her
So she’ll let down her hair, nice ‘n slow
At night when the moon tickles her ribs
I hear her giddy moans of delight
That moon! I say, will rouse her senses
And tomorrow, her blossoms alight
But it’s been that way for a fortnight
Every morning, her eyes are shut tight
Perhaps she’s loving the attention
Of the worried bees, moths, and the like
Today, after weeks of tomb silence
A fuchsia fluff peeked out of a bud
Shy still, she surveyed her surrounding
And coquettishly shook; a bee buzzed
Wake up, Myrtle, fluff said, shimmying
I ran to inspect the commotion,
Stroked her head and whispered good job!
I’m here, I’m here, echoed the others
Starting an explosion in the yard
© 2022 selmamartin.com
When I wrote this poem at the beginning of August, I’d been having bouts of jealousy,
watching how the Myrtlewood trees in the other yards had exploded with color and buzz
while the one in my yard wasn’t giving me a peep.
It’s hardly six feet tall and puny, and I wondered if she’s sickly taking so long to show
her colors. I worried as the hydrangeas, the queens here, lacked that chutzpah this year.
Well, Sarusuberi, as it’s known in Japan– which means Monkey’s slide for its smooth
barkless trunk– regaled me with color last month, but I soon discovered holes in her
rough trunk– defeating its moniker. (No monkeys will ever slide off this one).
My Myrtle is sick indeed, so after thanking her for the colorful explosion she gave me, I
cut her down to her knees. Hopefully, she’ll take time to pull herself together and bless
me again next year.
This poem first appeared on Weeds & Wildflowers on Medium as Late Bloomer’s Explosion last month.
Thanks for reading, and continue enjoying what’s left of the season.
I wish you Miracles.
- NPM Scavenger Hunt – Poems from Around the World - April 30, 2024
- Day 30: NaPoWriMo 2024–Mary Magdalene At The Doctor’s - April 30, 2024
- Day 29: NaPoWriMo 2024–Inside Love Incandescent - April 29, 2024
Wonderful write, and a gorgeous photo, Selma. 🌸🌸
Hey, Jeff. So pleased you came to read. Thanks. All the best. 👏
You’re welcome, Selma. Always.
Beautiful picture. Nice write up poem.
So glad you enjoyed, Raj. XoXo 😚
Oo, love these natural vibes and beautiful imagery!
Your comment and appreciate light me up. Thanks, Jaya. Blessings.
Love what you have done here, Selma! Gorgeous imagery and photo.
I appreciate your visit and comment. Glad you loved it. XoXo
Xoxo
A beautiful poem Selma. I hope next year is even better
I had to do it. My tree is a midge right now. I need to take care of her. And yes, I hope next year is better. Thanks for reading and commenting, Sadje. You bless me. I bless you back. XoXo
You’re welcome Selma.
I loved this, Selma. Your call to the beloved tree and the story behind it. Lovely colour.
So pleased you enjoyed it Sonia, dear. It is a nice color indeed. Hope she’s stronger next year. Blessings.
That connection we have to the trees/plants we grow, your poem captures so perfectly, Selma. Blessings on the tree and on her caring steward 🙂
~ Dora
What a truly delightful poem, Selma. I love the idea of the Myrtle romancing the bees – beautifully put. The photos are glorious, too. I do hope your Myrtle recovers and blooms again for you in future years. Xx 🥰
This is beautiful!
So much fun, imagery and delight in this poem Selma💕
My white azailia are late bloomers. They get the afternoon sun. But sometimes we need to trim plants to aide their growth.
Glad your plant bloomed. The mums are out around here – and there are still some late roses. 🙂
Nature is generous.
Happy last day of September, Jules.
🥁 next: October!
Look up Balloon plant/flower.
I picked some up at a flower stand.
Very interesting – I’m going to try and save some of the seeds.
Yay for October… And cooler days 🙂
Balloon plant. I know that plant. I planted the purple and white last year. This year they bloomed in spring. Only. once. I didn’t know that pruning them after they bloom encourages more growth. I will try that next spring. Enjoy yours. Your birthday is also this month. When exactly? Happy birthday to you. Wishing you miracles, Jules.
My ‘balloon’ flowers are pale green. With other flowers from the farmstand – they haven’t ‘popped’ any seeds yet. But I plan to try growing them next spring. 🙂
I love that you had to talk dirty to her :-D. You are so funny 🙂
It was necessary. 😆