Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Solstice Flowers--By Michael G. Smith--United States

Solstice Flowers

Suntali asks, why do rose petals have
such a precarious hold on the bloom?
I say, it is simpler to love the things
of this world when we nurture a loose grip.
Look, today the juniper titmice fledged
and quietly the Sun begins turning south.
She points to the one-day halo of blooms
sprung by the potted Mammillaria,
petals shining pink, bright yellow anthers
screaming to be touched by a bee or wind,
that during the night will become a clique
of gray, withered stalks. She says, but they die
too soon. And I think, too, of the blessed
joy watching a child’s innocence grow.

Michael G. Smith is a semi-retired chemist whose poetry has been published in many literary journals and anthologies. Recently he has been writing sonnets about his relationship with his adopted Nepali niece, Suntali, whom he helped fetch from Kathmandu with her mother, Patricia. His book No Small Things (Tres Chicas Books) was published in 2014. Visit his sites at http://michaelgsmithpoetry.com/ and
https://www.facebook.com/michaelgsmithpoetry

9 comments:

  1. How I loved your poem Michael and especially the truth, "I say, it is simpler to love the things of this world when we nurture a loose grip". That goes without saying where our loved ones are concerned too. I have to remind myself of that often. Thank you for sharing your talent with us here on Whispers.
    Charlene

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    1. Thank-you, Charlene! I am glad you enjoyed the poem and it struck a chord with you. Be well, Michael

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  2. Dear Michael,

    It's is good to see you already have one lovely comment on your creative poem. Welcome to Whispers! It's good to have you a part of our online journal. Please let me know if you have any questions

    Best wishes,
    Karen

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  3. Welcome to Whispers, Michael, and what a way to make an introduction with "Solstice Flowers." This one is quite unique for me as I am drawn into it through the painted images of beautiful flowers; as lovely as a summer solstice. Thank you for sharing and continued blessings!

    -MJ (www.tgbtgpublictions.com)

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  4. Love the first line which leads you into this beautiful piece. Thanks for the share. Ralph.

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  5. Hi Michael, I loved your poem, It is so true that to love with a loose grip is always the best way to go. Excellent read, my friend....Peter

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  6. Michael,
    A lovely sentiment. Great job!
    ~Davidf

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