If you read my post last week, you know I have a thing for flowers. After visiting Petite Anse Farms and cutting my own flowers, the wildflowers that line the Lafitte Greenway in New Orleans drew me in and begged to be clipped, collected, and given away.
This week is the Ehtical ELA Open Write and Monday’s prompt from Sarah Donovan encouraged us to write about “a shimmer of being alive.” My mind went back to the wildflowers I had cut on a walk with my daughter this weekend.
And So I Cut Wildflowers
I am taken by the little blooms
that peek from weeds
the ones on the side of the roadand want to carry them home
though I have nothing to cut them with
and frankly worry I will look like
a thief, a landscape destroyer, hoarder.The store is open, so I rush in,
buy kitchen shears, the kind for deboning
a chicken–I debone flowerstouch them with my soft hands
hold them in a nest
where scent to scent
pollen on pollen
the warmth of sunlight
still in their faces…I cut wildflowers
place them in the Mason jar with residue
of coffee grounds, leave them
on your kitchen counter
without a note that saysI love you
Margaret Simon, draft
You will know
I was reminded of Mary Oliver’s work when I read your poem, Margaret. “the warmth of sunlight still in their faces” is my favorite line. Thanks so much for sharing.
Today I’m loving “touch them with my soft hands.” I hadn’t thought of it before, but I like Rose’s reminder of Mary Oliver. So apt and true. What a great comparison.
I am also reminded of Mary Oliver’s poetry when I read your beautiful poem. I resonate with your poem because I have dug up wild flowers along the side of the road and planted them in my garden; I love to pick my flowers and place them in a vase or a mason jar. Bees, butterflies, and birds love native plants. I especially love your title, first stanza, and the line “and want to carry them home,” all which hooked me. I also especially love this stanza
“touch them with my soft hands
hold them in a nest
where scent to scent
pollen on pollen
the warmth of sunlight
still in their faces…” Great photos! I’m wondering what that amazing pink flower with so many blooms is in front of your second pic. Thank you for sharing, inspiring, and reminding me to look at Ethical ELA.
I love your last line especially! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com