A Monday morning. Early spring.
No work today—nor worries.
Setting out to walk three errands
he is greeted by a house finch singing.
He doesn't try to spot the bird
but if he's like the one
he saw the other day
he knows he sports a crimson bib.
There are other birds—
the pleasant medley of their sounds
their flight against the blue
fill out his first impressions.
The forecast got it right—
it is clear and calm indeed—
the sun a welcome friend
in cool that makes a walk a pleasure.
On the street before the library
wisteria! —and maybe lilac too—
their sweetness waking up
his drowsing sense of smell.
The items that he carried now dropped off
he heads to get his sisters birthday cards—
a rare exchange of greetings he forgot last year
so this year he is starting early.
He scans then opens cards in this familiar store.
Before too long—success! And with two cards
steps over to the counter where a new girl waits.
He registers she's early college age
and slim and tall—brunette and beautiful—
before her smile—so broad and unaffected—
turns him to a boy—a flutter in his belly
and deliberate with his words so he won't stammer.
Lastly to the co-op just a few doors down
and now back up the hill and musing
this a day to make him want to write a poem—
with all it stirs and all it brings a poem in itself.
On the street before the library wisteria! —and maybe lilac too— their sweetness waking up his drowsing sense of smell.- - - - - - -In mundane life affairs may be hidden sweetness of a lilac and music of birds that arouse our senses to their beauty and a poetry is born there.Such a marvellous poem chosen as Poem of the Day.Congratulations! !
thank you, bharati! always good to see and read your comments. hoping this finds you well in all ways, glen
So nice to see and learn, this blank verse is somehow teaching a style to a non native English speaking like me. congratulations for being chosen as the poem of the day, Glen.
thank you for your affirmation, hassan. on blank verse, i find it comes naturally for me. i wonder, though, if this meter is inherently natural or if it comes from frequent acquaintance with it from reading shakespeare poems and plays and the writings of others. years ago someone said, free verse is not free. and indeed in the craft of poetry we need to pay attention to the sound, the flow, of words. -glen
A lovely write that captures peace and beauty of a lovely day, when one is spared to admire the true beauty of the nature. Congrats!
thank you, akhtar. indeed, the loveliness in the write followed, was inspired by, the loveliness of the day. may many such days be yours! -glen
And not just a poem! Poem Of The Day! Very well deserved! Congratulations, Glen! Ah, Yes! The joys of retirement! You have so wonderfully expressed fully enjoying God's beautiful gifts to us. In the twilight years of our lives. Having all the time in the world to fully appreciate life. Your poem brought a smile to my mouth. And joy into my heart. Thank you for your wonderful gift!
you're welcome, richard. and thank you for your wonderfully supportive comments. i find twilight years an interesting phrase. am i there yet? i wonder. i tend to think not. but maybe, though i'm nearly seventy, youth's assumption of invulnerability has not fully left me yet. be blessed! -glen
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
A peaceful setting, a relaxed walk on a beautiful day and a poem is born!
hey, ruta! yes, this day a poem was born. i'd had others like it where i felt it was a day for a poem, but nothing came. thank you for reading and commenting. -glen