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Bill Downes Aug 2020
The tawny Daylilies
of orange and red,
are suspended like star bursts
above the carpeted bed.
They hang like streetlights
over the green splendor,
and illuminate the envious riot,
so tender.
The tangle of fronds
though they reach for the sky,
will crane their heads vainly
although they must try
to attain the heights
and the lofty glory,
that their progeny mount
to tell their sweet story.
The blooms burst like fireworks
coloring the heavens above,
and broadcast their fragrant
message of love.
To all who would listen
to their honeyed-song,
heard with their hearts
though it wouldn't last long.
For the Lily did know
that her day would soon end,
her time was but brief
for her message to send.
So she bloomed so brightly
with all of her might,
and swayed with the wind
though it gave her such fright.
For the glory of others
for those down below,
who had lifted her up
to make such a show.
And that was the story of love
that she told,
the heart's sacrifice
is greater than gold.
Waverly Mar 2012
what is regret
but a bitter berry
that you suffer
through the day with.

What is it
but a place
in the heart
that opens
and closes
like daylillies.

Because I think
about you so much,
even as I walk to the liquor store
I count
hashmarks in the road
in as many times
as I held your eyes.

There are too many
hashmarks
and not enough
of your eyes,
perfume,
cheeks,
tiny fingers
in mine.

I miss you so much
and it's wrong
that I spend time
with my boys
and different girls
knowing
that they can't tread
the asphalt
like you can.
Over grown field      

Untended and overgrown
Used to be a field of wild flowers
Sunflowers, daylillies and daisies
Purple sage, crocus and lilac  
But they needed more attention
Than I was willing to give

Took them all for granted
Let others tend the weeds at times
Weeds creep so slowly
Unnoticed until they have overrun

Few showing through now
the fog of weeds prevails
Some butter like flowers
Planted long ago still pop up
And surprise me
Am I ready to resume
The cultivation of this field?

Thoughts of colored petals
Race across my mind
Oh all the effort needed
Will anyone notice or even care
If this field blooms again?

Copyright 2016
Richard L Ratliff

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