Take a walk with me on this chilly day. The temperature dropped during the day yesterday from a rainy 55 degrees to a frigid 35 degrees with winds close to 20 mph. Bundle up in your winter coat and gloves. Did you bring your wool socks? As we walk past the bayou and along the road, we come to an open field. Watch your step because the ground is uneven here, and you may step in a puddle.
There near the neighboring house is a tree that looks like it may have been struck by lightning. It’s leaning slightly, but oh! It’s bright with pink blossoms. Flowers in winter? I think Japanese magnolia likes to be the first to show off her new spring dress.
My poetry swaggers group had a difficult challenge this month, given by Catherine Flynn. Terza Rima, she suggested, a form none of us had ever tried. But it’s from Dante, she delighted, not knowing yet that we are no Dantes.
Nevertheless, I gave it a shot. The first results lacked greatly. After a few rounds with my writing buddies, they helped me patch it up to present today. A terza rima is not going into my book of forms. This was a tough code to crack. Here’s a link to some confusing helpful guidelines.
A Japanese magnolia takes a chance
on blooming ‘fore the risk of frost is gone
with warming trends alive inside its branch.Perhaps a passing storm had left it torn
in this winter field alone and gray,
when leaves of life from limbs are yet unborn.Bold flowers burst bright pink and lift away
a fog; flamboyant beauty flirts for view
when wind blows chill across my path today.A Japanese magnolia takes a chance.
Margaret Simon, draft #5
Visit the Poetry Swaggers Sites for more (and better, if you ask me) Terza Rima poems.
Reflections on the Teche 
[…] Mitchell Catherine Flynn Margaret Simon Heidi […]
Hooray! You did it! I love the line, “Japanese magnolia takes a chance” and the whole tension between admiring beauty while feeling concerned by its early arrival. What a gorgeous tree and a fine terza rima 🙂 Watch out, Dante! 😉
[…] Molly Hogan at Nix the Comfort Zone Linda Mitchell at A Word Edgewise Heidi Mordhorst at My Juicy Little Universe Margaret Simon at Reflections on the Teche […]
This is an accomplishment, Margaret, and you should own it!
“When leaves of life from limb are yet unborn” WHAT a line! And also the takes a chance idea. A little inspiring allegory at work here!
Oh, Margaret, this is so delightful and delicate! I love your word choices that totally set the mood. Gorgeous!
How wonderful are those blooms as I wake to heavy snow, Margaret. It feels like you did a marvelous writing with this challenge! I love that after your intro, it’s a journey shared: “warming trends alive inside its branch”.
Thank you for being a Japanese magnolia taking a chance on a terza rima. Beautiful! xo
The images in your poem and photographs are lovely. I especially admire the line “A Japanese magnolia takes a chance.” You did a fantastic job with the form!
I’m amazed at your poem. I’m always cheering on the early blooms and delighted they are willing to take a chance. Here’s my favorite phrase:
“flamboyant beauty flirts for view
when wind blows chill across my path today.”
Wow! That looks like a challenging form. Your poem blossoms just like the magnolia.
Thank you for bringing us on this walk with you, Margaret, and for rising to the challenge! Your terza rima is just as lovely as that “flamboyant beauty.” Well done!
I too applaud your accomplishment! Taking a chance…before the risk of frost is gone is such a dare for any of us. And, this poem, this magnolia does it in pretty pink style. I too love the mystery of those leaves yet unborn…such beautiful language. Take a bow (after removing winter coat and gloves, of course!).
Nice, and the photos are gorgeous! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
[…] Poetry Friday: National Curmudgeon's Day Poetry Friday: Terza Rima […]
You picked a gorgeous subject for your terza rima, Margaret! You’ve commemorated the beauty and warmth, even if its risk results in frozen limbs later.
I expect whoever’s turn it is to decide your challenge next month, it’s going to be somewhat easier. Sounds like you all struggled with the terza rima. But what is so awesome is that you all persevered and were successful! A little like that Japanese Magnolia, no? If I were that tree I would be honored to have such a lovely poem written about me.
A beautiful poem, Margaret. And I especially love the beginning of your post as you invited us to come along with you on your walk. I felt like I was here, looking at that special tree with you. I long for spring blooms.
Margaret, this line stands out among others mentioned by PF friends: “when leaves of life from limbs are yet unborn.” Your tree is beautiful, especially now when winter has left only starkness. I am amazed that your temperatures went down so low. Have a great week of writing.
What a tricky form, Margaret. But you ended up with a lovely burst of bold spring-ness. I certainly wish we had some Japanese Magnolia’s willing to take a chance right now. Not for quite a while. Well done!
Ah, and like the Japanese Magnolia, you took a chance on writing such a challenging form! And lifted away a fog in the process–well done!
This challenge is all around me, and I have not yet bit the bullet, but you did and did a fine fine job! Spring is in the air, challenges abound! Thanks to you and your lovely magnolia… thanks for completing this challenge and passing it on.
[…] Magnolia tree. I’ve photographed this tree often, and written poems about it here and here. On a foggy grey morning, the dew drops glistened as I passed. I was compelled once again to […]