Spring can be so
winter encumbered
I learn to walk again
layered in a long-sleeved tee
and hoodie sweatshirt
and bulky jacket
and thermals
and jeans
But the sun is hot
and will no doubt
spot and freckle
my hands and face
The old woman
I never saw myself
becoming
Far into the woods
tracing my familiar path
around the little lake
worried frogs launch
from their spawning shore
stir up muck and lurk undercover
Minnows dart beneath
woolly floating leaves
survivors of last Autumn
then frenzy back
into clear warm water
when I pass
They pull up short
out in the deep cold
murky center of the pond
where bigger fish await
to feed off their mistaken
direction
A giant carp slowly
trolls the shallow water
surrounding the island
roiling up mud and
purling water along its shiny back
Game fish lie in wait
and jump
to snap up bugs
I rarely see them hit
but hear the splash and
watch concentric circles
left behind
calmly disappear
I nearly submerge a memory
one you often asked me to remember
that pale yellow sundress
with little blue roses
and twenty tiny buttons down the front
You plucked a wild violet
from behind my ear
as if you could
keep me fooled
Photos courtesy Wikipedia Commons
(Top: Jorg Hempel, Bottom: Mary & Angus Hogg)
You create such beautiful images… Thank you for this, my dear Mary Jo! 🙂
I really appreciate this coming from you, such a multi-gifted artist. Thank you, Marina!
You are so sweet! Thank you so much for your kindness! Enjoy a beautiful Wednesday! 😊
This is a marvelous song of winter and spring negotiating the terms of transition. I was there with you Mary Jo. Those last lines conjured up profound memories. Your poetry speaks to my heart.
I’m always grateful when my words resonate with readers. Thank you, dear Rebecca.
Wow! This is a beautifully crafted poem. I savored each and every line.
I deeply value your comments, Liz. Thank you!
My pleasure, Mary Jo! I look forward to reading more of your work.
A truly delightful poem, Mary Jo. The final stanza is the cherry on the top. So wistful.
Thank you, Sylvia! Yes, wistful…with a hint of shadow between the lines…some sleight of hand 🙂
A seasonal transition and a life memory, all in one poem. Impressive, and evocatively written, Mary Jo.
Thank you, Dave! This is high praise from you, and mutual respect is sent your way.
Photos come alive when you write
It feels like cheating to use photos with poems and vice versa. Each stands or falls on its own merit, but in this Internet medium we enjoy visuals. Then again, mixed media has always been popular. Thank you for commenting!
The seasonal imagery is fantastic, Mary Jo!
I’m delighted that you appreciated this. Thank you, Christy!
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I loved the imagery in this piece. Very well written.
Thank you for your appreciation!