Before the Frost
Hindu lotus span the north end of the pond and
goldfish congregate under their wide leaves.
Early September runs the high fever of July.
She lifts out aqua azolla and parrot feathers.
Sets them in the washtub with blue flag iris.
All to wait out winter in the potting shed.
Behind the waterfall, honeysuckle stretches the
lattice wall where a border of forget-me-nots
crowd the lavender petals of mourning brides.
The water lilies remain year round. Sink deep below
the liquid surface when winds chill. She envies
months of drifting in slow and silent shadows.
Aches to retreat from expectation. To
delay demands until a spring sun stirs
buried inspiration in her bones.
Poem Spring 2002
