Poetry Friday round-up is here today. Leave your link .
Hollyhocks don’t grow here in South Louisiana. On a recent visit to upstate New York, I was attracted to their stately stalks with large blossoms. We encountered a few at the local garden supplier in Hebron, NY.
Later, Tara let me know that she went back and bought some for her garden.
Hollyhocks at Old Bedlam Farm.
And then I encountered an image in Better Homes and Gardens. I didn’t order this magazine, but it seems to keep showing up in the mailbox. I love the images of wild gardens that I could never grow.
While in New york, we visited Owl Pen books. I found a treasure, a collection of Emily Dickinson’s nature poems. I used the form of one of these poems and wrote my own version. This poem and the book are headed to my next poetry swap friend.
The Garden
After Emily DickinsonI’ll tell you how the Hollyhocks rose–
A Blossom at a time–
The Petals glistened like Rubies–
The Bees and Hummers buzzed–
The Trees unfurled their branches–
The Bulbul–beloved–
Then I said softly to myself–
“That must have been the Dew!”
But how he wept–I saw not–
There seemed a dampness sincere
That little ants did clamor here
And led me to the waiting pew,
Woven easily among Lilies–
Morning Glories in blue–
And then I saw– You.
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Reflections on the Teche 
[…] Happy Poetry Friday, this week hosted thanks to Margaret Simon at Reflections on the Teche. I’m recovering from surgery and trying to catch up on my day job. I will still try to visit […]
Sweet poem! I love gardens, too, but alas…not enough to grow one! Thanks for hosting today, Margaret!
[…] Commons.) [Public domain], via Wikimedia CommonsPlease be sure to visit Margaret Simon at Reflections on the Teche for the Poetry Friday […]
Wonderful poem and what a treat for the next recipient! I am so jealous. :-
) Thanks for hosting!
A blossom at a time– always the best way. I first fell in love with hollyhocks when I lived in NM. I’m not sure they can grow here in FL, I’ve never seen them, but I just may need to double check since I’m relandscaping anyway. Glad to be back to Poetry Friday– thanks for hosting, Margaret!
When I looked them up, they grow in zones 3-8 and we are in zone 9. I guess that’s why I appreciate them so much.
Hollyhocks–I like way the word sounds, and I like the look of the flower. You’ve nailed the Dickinson-ness of your poem with the questioning, the bees, the ant, and the celebration of all little things.
I love hollyhocks, and tried to grow some from seed this year. Alas, they are only about 6 inches high. Maybe they’ll come back full force next year? Your poem is as gorgeous as a stalk of ‘hocks!
Hollyhocks have been on my mind lately, too! Your poem glistens with their beauty, Margaret. I especially love this line: “The Bees and Hummers buzzed–” Thanks for hosting today!
[…] I want to be famous in the way a pulley is famous, or a buttonhole, not because it did anything spectacular, but because it never forgot what it could do. Naomi Shihab Nye’s poem reminds me that making a difference doesn’t have to involve doing spectacular things. Each day brims with the potential to create positive interactions and connections if I focus on what I can do or change instead of being overwhelmed by what I can’t. There is comfort in that. For more poetry, go to Margaret Simon’s wonderful blog, Reflections on the Teche. […]
I love hollyhocks and thoroughly enjoyed your poem, especially the opening lines that invite us in to share in the wonder of this garden. Thanks so much for hosting today!
What a glorious poem! I am going to read it to the hollyhocks I planted, it will make them stand tall and proud.
I took a long time to get my hollyhocks started at my old home, and miss them. It’s a wonderful poem, Margaret, sure that Emily would approve. I like “That little ants did clamor here
And led me to the waiting pew”. Thanks for hosting, and have a lovely day!
I am not a great gardener (I love my cows cropping right to the house) but once, many years ago, I grew hollyhocks. Thank-you for the reminder.
Nature inspires writers and upstate NY captured your heart and writing talent. The Waterlogue digital and poem are a great combination, Margaret. Thank you for hosting PF today.
Hollyhocks don’t grow in the desert, but your poem gave me a lovely sense of the blossom. Thank you for hosting! =)
I love Emily Dickinson, and love hollyhocks, and love this post. 🙂 I am a terrible gardener, but I am fortunate to be married to a man who can grow both vegetables and flowers. Thanks for a lovely Poetry Friday, and thanks for hosting!
[…] For more on poetry and the inspiration of hollyhocks and Emily Dickinson, please visit Margaret who is hosting Poetry Friday. […]
So many forms of loveliness here: gardens, friendship, views, bookshops, and of course poetry. I love that you joined up with Emily Dickinson. Thanks for bringing so much goodness into this Friday.
Loved the water color and your poem. Hollyhocks are wonderful. We have hybiscus instead. Thank you for hosting today.
Between the flowers and the poetry, it’s a beautiful post, Margaret! Thanks for sharing – and hosting!
Beautiful poem! I wish I had a green thumb. This poem inspires me to keep trying, though. Thanks for sharing and hosting today!
I love hollyhocks but must travel to enjoy them. So happy they are here in pictures and in beautiful verse.
I too love Hollyhocks but have never tried to grow them. I love that you have poem-grown one!
Beautiful post, Margaret! Your poem is strikingly Emilyesgue — well done! My parents have a gorgeous flower garden, and I am trying to learn all the flowers’ names. Thanks for hosting!
Thank you for hosting this week!
Margaret–I left a comment with my link early on, but on a BRAND NEW computer, so I must have done something wrong. I noticed how easy it is to imitate Emily and how hard it is to achieve her particular combination of keen observation and metaphysical ethereality. I think you did pretty well!
This poem is a beautiful tribute to your time in NY, and so perfectly in the style of E.D.! Lovely! Best wishes for a wonderful school year! (And hurray for your helpers!)
Love your poem thank you.