In March I scrape a metal rake down periwinkle hill
lifting off the crisp brown leaves
that maples dropped in their autumnal parting.
For half a year leaves lay flat like wide brim hats
tossed atop the vinca minor
and would disguise the yearning there
for purple spring. Such fragile flowers
that want to paint the hill . . . and will
if all the leaves that warmed them winter long
are gone, as a secret reveals itself
after cloaked in silence.
Early spring is such a stealthy time
a surreptitious mime on mid-March days
when winter would just as soon
grab us by the collar
and throw us to the wind.
Covert buds cling to wild plums
and we’d be done with chilling rain
if only flowers would return again.
Now ferns want clipping of their drooping fronds
and moss in thick disguise consumes the lawn.
My interventions with rake and shears
may bring spring near, may bring it here
sung closer by frogs beside the pond.
Mary Kollar
Copyrighted 2022
I read that Muscovites were compelled to attend Putin’s stadium speech yesterday.
Years ago, my BY teacher-friends were routinely ordered to bring their classes to hockey games to fill up the arena. One teacher said that to amuse themselves they and their students would cheer at inappropriate times.
Happy Birthday (I don’t know which one) to Anie, 20 March.
Such lovely images that gently remind me that it’s time to–in my case–rake the cedar droppings off the periwinkles and trim the ferns. I have work that demands indoor time, so I’m frustrated. But your words and photo are such an inspiration to me. Thanks so much, dear Mary!
Mary's Room With a View 
Beautiful, Mary. Is there such a thing as Rap Poetry? I know nothing about music, but somehow your poem sings to me. Sylvia
Sent from my iPhone
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Thank you, Mary,
I read that Muscovites were compelled to attend Putin’s stadium speech yesterday.
Years ago, my BY teacher-friends were routinely ordered to bring their classes to hockey games to fill up the arena. One teacher said that to amuse themselves they and their students would cheer at inappropriate times.
Happy Birthday (I don’t know which one) to Anie, 20 March.
Hope all is well.
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Such lovely images that gently remind me that it’s time to–in my case–rake the cedar droppings off the periwinkles and trim the ferns. I have work that demands indoor time, so I’m frustrated. But your words and photo are such an inspiration to me. Thanks so much, dear Mary!
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Thank you Debra. We all need outdoor time in spring to feel the promise
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