It has been a long time since I have attempted an acrostic, but this rainy grey morning seemed like the time for it. (Doesn’t the pale line of cloud above look like the graceful edge of a leaf?) My inspiration was the kind and neighborly sharing–along with Tim’s gardening skills–that have led to a new border of rhubarb on the north edge of front garden. Tnak you, Tim! Thank you, Rich and Raymonde!
Our healthiest plants are those shared from the gardens of our neighbors. Perhaps this is true for you, too? A vigorous transplant is a great joy, and every time we see these gift plants we see the love behind them.
And thank you all for joining me on this April botanical journey!
This was another day of searching on my own for an appropriate botanical candidate inspired by the letter “Q”, since Rosendahl did not have any entries for this letter of the alphabet.
I love both of these plants. Juglone in our garden (yes, those black walnuts) prohibit us from planting a quaking aspen, much as I would like to do that. Queen Anne’s lace can probably tough it out, but I have never seen seeds for sale or nursery plants, perhaps because here they are prevalent ditch flowers. Perhaps, someday, I will find some of those to admire up close and often.
In terms of poetry, each of these plants reminds me of a splendid often-read poem. I include links here, in case you want to refresh your own memory of them. The first, featuring Queen Anne’s lace, is the splendid “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers” by Adrienne Rich. Until I sought out links for this post, I did not realize that this poem is having a moment–search on it and you’ll find many treasures, including a laudatory assessment from A. O. Scott of the New York Times from last month and YouTube videos of Rich reading her masterful work.
In a similar vein, from a much different poet, aspen trees always call to mind for me Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s 1832 masterpiece of Arthuriana, “The Lady of Shallott,” particularly these two lines:
Willows whiten, aspens quiver, Little breezes dusk and shiver...
(Photo: mcmacin; Pixabay)
Never before, or since, have I seen “dusk” used as a verb–just one detail that makes Tennyson’s incantatory poem continue to repay reading and rereading.
Wishing you splendid views today, everywhere you look--LESLIE
Rosendahl’s entries for the letter “P” held many attractions for me. I was able to work in two of my favorite into today’s offering: “pyriform” (pronounced “peer-i-form”), an entirely new word to me that means “pear-shaped;” and ‘Pome,” which already held associations for me though the botanical connection was delightfully new.
Previous? The title of a poetry collection that James Joyce published in 1927: Pomes Penyeach–which I have assumed was his thumb in the eye to “correct” British pronunciation and spelling–and a monthly local event at our public library that goes by the acronym P.O.M.E. or Poetry Open Mic Event.
(As for the use in botany of the word, “pome,” I believe that today’s poem, emailed to you if you requested it, explains that.)
Wishing that you, too, make delightful discoveries today in the worlds of letters and growing plants–LESLIE
Today’s prompt word is “ovate” meaning egg-shaped. That made me think of spring and the various egg associations at this time of year. Might be time to munch some jelly beans.
LESLIE
Egg Sauna, American Swedish Institute (Photo: Bonnie Jean Flom)
The botanical term that inspired this poem, “monotype,” does not appear in the poem. Exploring its meaning, however, made me think of how we are able to see the uniqueness of those people (and situations and locations and objects, too) that are important to us. It especially takes time and attention to perceive the deep individuality that marks each person. And then, despite a consistent core, he or she keeps growing and changing!
Today’s poem is dedicated to my sister, Karla. Today is her birthday. Her life is a gift to everyone who knows her. Among her many virtues, as some of you long-time readers know, she is an exceptional photographer of the natural world. (To see past posts that feature her photography, you can search on “Karla Schultz WinonaMedia”.) The photographs in this post are all from her. I want to thank her for allowing me to share her artistic gifts with you.
LESLIE
Photo: Karla SchultzPhoto: Karla SchultzPhoto: Karla SchultzPhoto: Karla Schultz
