African Violets

A Poem by redzone

remembering

African Violets

would make her smile.

It was the way

their purple flowers

and green fuzzy leaves

would greet her every day.

They sang to her

with sun songs that sounded

like hushed sighs

as her fingers pruned

and aerated the dark black soil.

~~~

As a young boy

I watched,

mesmerized

by the way these delicate flowers

reached for her

gentle touch.

And as she worked,

she would hum

as though the world

was simply violets and sun.

~~~

She has left me now,

alone

but with thoughts of her

and the gift she gave me

of listening and whispering

with African Violets;

those purple flowers,

green fuzzy leaves,

they sing to me

their sun songs,

make me smile.

Aztec Warrior/redzone 3.22.17

© 2017 redzone

Author's Note

...thank you for reading...

My Review

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Reviews

barleygirl

I love the way your remembrances are centered around this amazing lovely flowering plant that some can cultivate with ease (but not me!) I love the symbolism for the way this plant (or any special person) is a rare delight with blooms that last a fair amount of time but never long enuf. I find myself guessing this poem is about your mom (or someone's mom) but it could also be a beloved that's gone. Beautiful sentiments expressed thru imagery! (((HUGS)))

Posted 6 Years Ago

Cryingkate

The sweetness of life itself to and from the flowers speaks to me of the vibrational song of life that reverberates through eternal echoes. What has been caste returns again an again. I no doubt you have the ears to hear it. What' is amazing is your speech to repeat it. Very well spoken Curt. It is so Beautiful and I had to try my best to describe what I felt and heard but you already said it so perfectly.

Posted 7 Years Ago

Kelly Scheppers

My sister had two of them sitting on the ledge of her kitchen window looking out into her backyard. I always thought they were beautiful, even if they had fuzzy leaves. I believe they're hard to grow, is that true?

I love when the memory of a loved one is infused into the context of a poem. It truly speaks with a voice all its own, and this is a most beautiful lament to your mom! Oh, to have just ten minutes with our mother's - what we wouldn't do!

Posted 7 Years Ago

William Liston

This is beautiful. The imagery is vivid and evocative, the grammar is spot-on, the word choices are perfect, the visual presentation looks great ... overall, this is nicely crafted. I very much enjoyed the symbolism of African violets and how they carry the essence of (I'm guessing based on others' reviews) your mother. The last line is brilliant in how simple and beautiful it is. Nicely penned : )

- William Liston

Posted 7 Years Ago

7 Years Ago

thank you so much for your gentle words William, they are greatly appreciated as is your visit to th.. read more

Ana Papaya

Such a loving tribute to your mother, Curt. It's the little things that really stand out. The little things that we do, and do with so much love and care. These are the things that often become our legacy.
Beautiful poem.

Posted 7 Years Ago

7 Years Ago

Ana, thank you so much.. I was cleaning my book shelf with all my poetry books on it and came across.. read more

7 Years Ago

you are welcome xx

Lydia Shutter

You are the part of your mom that lives on...the part that will always be with you. We remember the little things. The moments that might have seemed insignificant when they happened, but are so very important in retrospect. What a loving and emotional tribute this is, Curt. Very "nice". Lydi**

Posted 7 Years Ago

7 Years Ago

and also how these little things pop up at the strangest times and when you least expect them to.. T.. read more

Einstein Noodle

touched my heart sir ..me mum loved those purple flowers and she was present the whole way through reading your poem ...sure do miss that gentle and courageous woman ;( nice job sir! really glad you shared it with us
E.