The Garden Gate

a flower garden of mystery

The center of each bloom creams the palest of butter.

 

Springs tender buds sway. 

Watch the skirted pedals flair 

dancing with the wind as 

 shaded lavender  are boldly displayed. 

Beside this,

 lovely hydrangeas is a slender cerise grouping of tulips.

A garden gate was hung just there

with tulips on either side,

no fencing of any kind to mark the way

only the blooms of spring set its borders

and this pristinely painted swinging gate.

This simple gate housed two chairs also painted white.

A table was found on that piece of ground

and an arched honeysuckle vine

where a small brass wind chime sings.

       Mint-julep must have been sipped by those whom once here sat,  

     and on occasion with an eastern wind,

I catch a faint hint of old-spice and mint.

It is, those times, I stop my work and listen to the brass chime sing

and without fail, the garden hinges will speak.

As I’ll see, that old gate begin to swing, 

I  ponder the days that have long past.

Reviews

[lee von cleef]

ShellyHoltLowery wrote a story of laundry line scent, and now your garden gate,cool,I love the two of you and the words ring promise, the cycle of life like red clay dirt deep in those who can read the suns words as it sets. Had to take a breath ,good story.

[Cherrie Palmer]

:) thank you Lee

[Kent Rawski]

.wow you can picture a story and let its details surround us i love your work this isn't whimsical but it is wistful full of gentle beauty and delicately poetically portrayed

[Cherrie Palmer]

I really love this little piece and have always wanted to start a story with it

[Lorry]

Aww, sad final line brings a soft sigh, knowing that you are not waiting in anticipation for their eager return, but reminiscing of what once was.
But lets face it, the picture you paint with your words here Cherrie makes it sound like a perfect place to be. Well, almost perfect.
I have never had to leave the house to review a piece accurately before, but when you mentioned no fences, I realised something that a more observant person wouldnt have to frighten the neighbour across the way who was smoking as I passed.... But anyhoo, I have checked and yes, I have just realised we dont have fenced gardens here either. (i really need to start paying more attention) :)

[emmajoy]

A presence in the present.. and so beautifully laid for your reviewers and admirers, Cherrie. You've created a time of colours and scents that really reach the senses - tis how real poetry works its best. I don't recall this poem from way back when.. so, it's such a bonus to find it - calm and welcoming, in the early hours of tomorrow only recently arrived.

[Cherrie Palmer]

Thank you so much Emma,
I'm thinking of using this to open a story. I'm still knocking around the notion.

[emmajoy]

Will wait patiently.. not say another word.. shhhh
Smiling and hoping.

[Tourist the Sleepwalker]

This feels like someone looking into the past as well as forward to springtime? Which I can't wait for... Is the hint of old-spice and mint from drinks once drank there?

[Cherrie Palmer]

Old spice was a common cologne men use to have and mint leaves were used for a mint julep a old southern drink.

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

My mother ;over gardening, nurturing nature's children. Can't think of anything more beautiful as that, except this poem.

[Cherrie Palmer]

We got my mother in law's swing gate and posted it in our garden and we love seeing it.

[wordman]

reminds me of my grand mothers house,a white gate with roses on each side blooming in the summer
giving off that sweet aroma. a great write

[A. Amos]

I wanted to read more:) this was brilliant and interesting read!

[Poetic Beauty]

This reminds me of a scene that would have been in the Secret Garden. I love the mystery of the garden and the elaborate details that paint a picture in the mind of a slow stroll of the past.

[Cherrie Palmer]

:) thnak you that is very kind I like it

[Poetic Beauty]

You are more than welcome. It is done with great creativity and detail.

[SHEEMA HUQ]

this sounds absolutely blissful, I could smell and visualise the fresh floral aromas and colours, lovely, thanks to your good descriptions