Apple-mint sprigs, tiny leaves
unfold to sun in ancient prayer
supplication
Ever strives to meet perfection
daily dedication
The lemon tree grew fruit this year.
(How perfectly ironic)
Blossoms fall--lemon drops--
a heady scent and seductive tonic...

A certain perfect disarray;
I think I'll let it stay this way.
(Some things should be just what they are.)

Broad-leaf fern, pineapple sage,
rose-in-bud, "Society's Page,"
(she used to be all the rage)
but I just had to have "Blaze Starr."

Spears of iris by the pond
and just the slightest curve of palm
behind the waterfall--
Hawaiian ginger standing tall!
My pots of basil (too leggy)
are hungry for the planting;
bringing out an ache in me--
ever wistful--ever wanting--
a shovel full of upturned earth
droplets of rain, quenching thirst.

"Gentle hands are needed here,"
said the breeze into my ear.

"Ssshh..." It whispered me aware.

* * *

I'm re-working these, but tonight's choice is for Marge.