Reflections on the Teche

Last weekend I participated in the Open Write with Ethical ELA. Erica Johnson’s prompt “Talk about Trees” inspired me to praise the state tree of both of my home states, Mississippi and Louisiana.

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Posted in Gratitude, nature, Poetry Friday, Writing | Tagged #poemsofpresence, Ethical ELA, Louisiana, ode, poetry | 15 Comments

15 Responses

1. on May 22, 2026 at 2:50 pm | Reply theapplesinmyorchard

   Magnolia trees do grow and bloom here, although only for a very short time. They are beautiful trees – they exude Southern hospitalitiy. Love the poem that focuses on theire blooms and traits. Thanks for sharing it.

   
   
2. on May 22, 2026 at 7:51 pm | Reply jama

   Lovely poem; magnolia blossoms are so beautiful, and as you say, divine.

   
   
3. on May 22, 2026 at 8:53 pm | Reply Linda M.

   Oh, Magnolia. You are beautiful. Bless me too.

   
   
4. on May 23, 2026 at 5:30 am | Reply Michelle Kogan Art, Illustration, & Writing

   Ah, your poem tastes divine, I’m wafting in it all the way in
   Chicago, thanks Margaret!

   
   
5. on May 23, 2026 at 11:46 am | Reply kimhaynesjohnson

   Margaret, this warms my heart, the taste of the divine! That last line is just right at the root of the strength of southern women. I have a granddaughter named Magnolia Mae. We call her Noli. Already, I see her strength showing ~ and it makes me wonder the age old question: what’s in a name? Did you paint this bloom in watercolor? I love your tribute to this tree.

   
   
   • on May 23, 2026 at 12:34 pm | Reply margaretsmn

     Magnolia is one of my daughter Maggie’s nicknames. Noli is a cute nickname. I did not paint the flower. I found it on Canva, but I did go take a photo of my neighbor’s blossoms to consider painting.

     
     
6. on May 23, 2026 at 3:18 pm | Reply cvarsalona

   Margaret, I woke to your mindfulness prayer-like writing, breathing in the scent you sent. It is raining here; last year my magnolia trees were attacked by some sort of insect. It left my gorgeous tree without the fulness of the trees that Richard and I bought. Perhaps the trees were in mourning like me. The endurance of the trees brought back the beginnings of the blossoms. I wait quiet, listening to the rain. Soon I will take a walk to the patio gardens to think about your medication and fill my heart with the praise your words send. Thank you, Margaret.

   
   
7. on May 23, 2026 at 4:59 pm | Reply Susan.Thomsen

   Margaret, what a lovely ode to magnolias. I miss that smell! I find myself taking lots of photos of trees, so I’ll have to think about writing something to accompany them.

   
   
8. on May 23, 2026 at 5:51 pm | Reply mbhmaine

   What a lovely presentation for this beautiful poem! Here’s to mindfulness rooted in the beauty of magnolias!

   
   
9. on May 23, 2026 at 5:57 pm | Reply patriciafranz

   Margaret, I love the prayer for endurance and a taste of the divine. How appropriate that we turn to nature’s majesty in supplication. Beautiful!

   
   
10. on May 23, 2026 at 7:25 pm | Reply Karen Edmisten

    Oooh, may we all be blessed by the sweet Magnolia. Lovely, Margaret!

    
    
11. on May 24, 2026 at 12:22 am | Reply JillD

    Margaret, lovely tribute to the Magnolia and wonderful how it’s connected to two states that you’ve lived in. I loved the way you brought the poem “home” with prayer references, Bless me with your endurance sweet Magnolia, give me a taste of the divine. Beautiful!

    
    
12. on May 24, 2026 at 11:49 am | Reply rosecappelli

    Your poem is a gift on this chilly rainy morning, Margaret. Thank you.

    
    
13. on May 25, 2026 at 10:27 pm | Reply maryleehahn

    Wonderful tribute to an iconic flower!

    
    
14. on May 26, 2026 at 5:04 pm | Reply bookseedstudio

    Margaret, there is never enough said about any magnolia!

    Your words are magnolia magnificient,

    My hubby & I stop to smell the lower-hanging flowers on every walk that brings us by one so easy to cup & smell. The background you created for the poem is lovely, too.

    your fan, JAN https://bookseedstudio.wordpress.com/2026/05/25/with-birds/