Of all my dactyls planted in the spring,
A single one survived, and lived to bloom:
A gnarled, and bent, and scrappy little thing
That struggled on, against the certain doom
Of neighbor kids, and frisbee in the yard.
But ultimately, looking no more scarred
Than clover in the sidewalk, or the street,
All optimism, blooming at my feet.
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Alysa Salzberg
Melissa Miles McCarter
Scarlett Sumac
jlsathre
Matt Paust
Jowita Bydlowska
Salon.com
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That at this joyous time
Your solitary dactyl
Has lived to thrive & rhyme.
May many more survive and thrive next spring.
...where you might not expect it...and the only place to go is up.
OryoB: One day. This yard isn't mine, but it's a pretty good deal.
Katy: erg... a photo, erg. Um, I ah... dropped the camera.
Pavenne: thank you, thank you, thank you! A good friend sent me a photograph today of brown-eyes susans growing out of a crack in the sidewalk. I do love it when that happens.
Dave: and I'm feeling particularly optimistic about next year. I mean, if a sunflower can actually survive abuse and neglect? Think what a little gardening can do!
Leon: it is too late in the evening for a clever retort. So I will let your opinion stand. Thank you.
Persistent Muse: and when they bloom, they seem utterly indifferent to how difficult the journey was. They just... bloom.
Pilgrim: yes, and peeking out from the most unexpected corners. All volunteers.
Fusun: thanks for the poem (after your second comment, after coffee). I actually have it open in another window here, just now. I'm glad you came by.
anna1: I hope it was able to help. You are such a faithful reader, the least I can do is write something that actually helps you with something. And thanks for being so faithful.
vanessa: I love English, I love metered verse, and I have no television. Not to be flippant. Your compliment is very high. Thank you.
Kate: yes Dactyls have their own challenge. I'm knocking around the idea of making them my next project. And your couplets are so appreciated.
catch 22: Yes, and I think that's the point of the Blake poem that Fusun mentioned, above. I do my best. And hey - thanks for coming by! Welcome!
mhold: I just heard of a friend the other day, who actually threatens her plants if they don't grow. I mean, if you're going to talk to them, why not be honest?
Again everyone, thank you for coming by. It is a great pleasure to write for all of you. I hope you continue to enjoy.