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Trillium
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Member Patricius
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098
Idaho, USA

0 posted 2009-01-10 06:23 PM







Where Cattails Grow

Beside the lake, the cattails grow.
Their brown heads standing, row on row,
In shallow water by the shore.
Every year it seems there's more.
There is no conflict around here.
I often see a group of deer
Come to take a needed drink,
Or a swiftly swimming mink.
The otters too, will roll and play,
Muttering. What do they say?
They probably wish that I were not
Standing in their favorite spot!
A blue crane stalks the weeds for fish.
I hope he finds that special dish
That rewards his lengthy quest,
Before he flies to seek his rest.
Each day a different view revealed,
By creatures from the woods and field!


Betty Lou Hebert

© Copyright 2009 Betty Lou Hebert - All Rights Reserved
Mysteria
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Member Laureate
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada
1 posted 2009-01-13 02:27 AM


What an absolutely wonderful view I had from this poem.  I think cattails are what we call bull rushes?  We used to dry them out, dip them in oil, and use them for lamps when we camped.   This brought back a lot of memories for me, and I love poetry that does that.

Carpe' Diem,
Mysteria

Trillium
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Idaho, USA
2 posted 2009-01-13 08:09 PM


Mysteria:

Cattails are called bulrushes in Canada and I called them that when I lived there. Have gotten into the habit of calling them cattails here in the States. I remember my uncle used to use them the same way you described too. I've always really liked them and often use them in the fall in a dried arrangement.

Thanks for reading and commenting!
Betty Lou

Betty Lou Hebert

Joyce Johnson
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Member Rara Avis
since 2001-03-10
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Washington State
3 posted 2009-01-16 02:25 AM


What an artistic eye you have and you can always find the right words to describe the scene.  Would love to see your arrangement.  Love, Joyce
Trillium
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Idaho, USA
4 posted 2009-01-17 02:57 PM


Dear Joyce:

Thanks! My dried arrangement is an outside one and is looking very tired at the moment.
Too much winter this year, but it was very pretty last fall.

Love
Betty Lou

Betty Lou Hebert

Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California
5 posted 2009-01-18 02:14 PM


Hi Betty, I lived in Idaho as a child and your poem brings back many memories cherished memories.
                               Ida

Trillium
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Member Patricius
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Idaho, USA
6 posted 2009-01-19 12:14 PM


Ida:  I'm glad this poem brought back nice memories for you. We have always loved the country here, although we could do with a bit easier winter!!

Betty lou

Betty Lou Hebert

Hope Fleeting
Member
since 2009-02-23
Posts 52
Smalltown, Somewhere
7 posted 2009-02-25 12:22 PM


This reminds me oh so much of racing down to see what was happening at the lake we lived by before the bus came to get me for school.  Thank you for re-kindling the fonder memories.

~ Previously Known as Broken_Winged_Angel and BrokenWinged_Angel~

I know when to bow my head in defeat and move on...

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