I’ve noticed recently on my morning walks that the crepe myrtle trees are doing something weird, shedding their bark. Surely this is something they do yearly, but I’ve never noticed it. Of course, I googled it.
As all Crepe Myrtles grow and mature, they shed last year’s bark, revealing a colorful, mottled bark beneath. Once the tree has reached full maturity, several years after planting… you are in for a real show. Sit back and enjoy the unique texture and coloration that shows up on their wood once the bark is shed. Because the Crepe Myrtle is a deciduous tree, it sheds all its leaves during the winter, leaving behind the beautiful bark on the tree which makes it a centerpiece in many winter landscapes.
McDonald Garden Center Blog
I took a few pictures with my phone, but I wasn’t satisfied with the artistry of the photos. So I text my friend, teacher-photographer Lory Landry.
“Do you have any good pictures of the peeling bark of crepe myrtles? I love how you see things and photograph them with an artistic eye.”
“I don’t think so. If I knew where some were off hand, I could take some.”
Not a full hour later, she texted me 8 close ups. I had a hard time choosing. This was our next exchange.
On Instagram @leauxlandry
When Sun warms Earth,
Margaret Simon, draft
Myrtle knows to shed her skin
and show her inside beauty.
Leave a small poem in the comments. Be kind in your response to others. Share your inside beauty.
Reflections on the Teche 
oooooh….love how Myrtle knows. What a great post today.
Well, I couldn’t shake “Myrtle knows” so I used it. Thanks!
I have a secret
It’s a bit of gold
hidden away
only Myrtle knows
Ah, that bit of golden treasure!
Nice, Linda! Love that bit of gold. You inspired me to also use “Myrtle knows.”
Nice, Linda. I love that secret of a bit of gold, hidden away. I’m glad you kept Myrtle going!
Linda, I love the playfulness of your poem, especially the lines “I have a secret” and “only Myrtle knows.”
So interesting, Margaret. Thanks for always getting my creative juices flowing.I decided to continue with “Myrtle knows.”
Fashionista
Myrtle knows
Her dress is so last year.
Underneath—mottled beauty
For fashion’s new season.
This makes me laugh…”Her dress is so last year.”
Rose, I love this stylish tree changing fashion. What a great metaphor!
Poor Myrtle. LOL. Oh, the things Myrtle knows.
Rose, I enjoyed your fun personification “her dress is so last year” and “mottled beauty.” Great title hooks the reader!
OK, thanks for another introduction to a botanical wonder from the Bayou, Margaret. Thank you, Lory, for the beautiful photo. I love that she is showing her inside beauty I had to follow the pattern!
Myrtle knows her sacred job
Spread round the holy parish
Shedding light and love for all
ooooh. sacred job. Lovely
You know that we have parishes in Louisiana and many are named for saints. Ours is Iberia, but nearby is St. Martin and St. Mary. I love how you connected that into your poem.
Denise, I love how you continued with “Myrtle knows” in a new, beautiful direction. Perfect last image “Shedding light and love for all.” Myrtle dictated an Epistle to me.
Nice connection to Louisiana’s parishes.
Margaret, I love your personification of “Myrtle knows” and “show her inside beauty.” I actually wrote a about a girl that fluttered in ballet like a butterfly at my chiropractor’s office, today because of your line “show your inside beauty.” Her inner beauty shone through in her smile. When I read your poem, Linda’s, Rose’s, and Denise’s poems I HAD to continue with the fun of Myrtle. However, I didn’t include “knows” but I did borrow “dress from Rose. Here’s my epistle poem:
Dear Gardener,
My pink petaled
dress is stored
until spring,
but guess what?
I am old enough
now for my bark
to peel! I will
reveal cream
to cinnamon
to bright red
wood, to dazzle
you through
winter.
Your Centerpiece,
Myrtle
Thank you for your inspiration. How are your hands and arms doing? My OT has helped a lot.
Gail, I love the epistle you wrote from Myrtle. She is quite the showstopper today, isn’t she? I love the way your word choice for her colors puts rich images in my mind…
‘I will
reveal cream
to cinnamon
to bright red
wood,’
Thank you, Denise. Yes, she is a show stopper. LOL It was fun to write the letter from Myrtle’s POV. 🙂
This form fits so nicely here. Your inclusion of the rich colors creates vivid images. Nicely done!
Thank you, Rose, it was fun to write the letter from Myrtle’s POV.
Gail, I love the letter format and the rich colors of the bark woven in. Thanks for writing. My wrist is fine, no more problems.
Thank you, Margaret. It was fun to write the letter from Myrtle’s POV. I’m glad your wrist is well. Thank you and everyone that wrote about Myrtle for inspiring me.