In the grip of

(little tango is the common name for a plant with tiny tangerine coloured petals)

little tango on the deck table

shivers from last night's frost,

a spark of welcome brightness

in my winter world,

in a week cold, with farewells

and sadness

beside her are unplanted bulbs,

i am promised one hundred days

of spring flowers,

one hundred days of vibrant colour

if I bury them,

if I confine them to darkness

with a hope they surface

and then, there is the packet

of cherished forget me not seeds

that i will save for warmer days

so they will self seed and multiply,

Jen's last request

Reviews

[Lorry]

Colour anf brightness are so required to lift our spirits of a cold and frosty morn, it reminds us that despite the gloom, their is still colour to be sought.
And a forget me not promise to end, tying up this piece in a pretty red bow...or should that be orange? :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lorry. Colour is so important to me when there is gloom, for whatever reason

Chris

[Lorry]

It reminds us of better things to come, in this ever turning cycle. Trust me, I know these things. I do live in a place that does clouds so well. if ever the sun does come out or the sky turns a mysttious blue, we just say "oh, someone fixed the sky" :)

[Chris Shaw]

That's a nice thought. Have a good day Lorry.

[Ana Papaya]

the poem is lovely but there's a sad undertone felt.
flowers can mean and say so much...

[Chris Shaw]

It is a sad poem Ana. Farewells forever are always sad. Many thanks.

Chris

[DIVYA]

A very symbolic poem for me, Chris. Burying the seeds, consigning them to the suffocating darkness under the earth brings with it the promise of a beautiful garden in Spring. So may it be that those who pass away find eternal beauty and joy in life everlasting. Amazingly written!

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Divya, love your review. Thank you.

Chris

[DIVYA]

Such a pleasure always, dear Chris.

[Ted Kniffen]

A simple bequest that will burst into full colour and brighten the world. Perhaps instead of flowers, a packet of seeds or bulbs would be a greater gift, one that will bring back good memories when they bloom.
A good write, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ted. Yes in spring I will look forward to a show of beautiful flowers to remember a very special friend.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

as john said..."a wonderful gesture of remembrance"---seeds planted will grow to warmer days...and make us remember those warmer thoughts.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jacob. For your kind review.

[john l smith]

A wonderful gesture of remembrance
You must have been very close
she will live again with the flowers of spring

[Chris Shaw]

Very close. Friends since I was 16. Yes the forget me not seeds will be planted and she will be remembered always but especially in spring. Thank you Dave.

Chris