Gladiolus summer grace

Elegance personified...

Pour me a Manhatten in summers glow 

I want to stand tall and be strong...   

when winds of change in disarray 

seem impossible to compromise... 

The world has power to create a 

climate for genius and versatility... 

Observe the Birds in flight knowing 

the direction of best detente and peace... 

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

Your words wonderful and they took me to a beautiful place dear Pat.
"Observe the Birds in flight knowing
the direction of best detente and peace"
I did like the closing lines. The birds are wiser than us. They can share the earth. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Patricia Wedel]

dear John... you have a way of setting a course that birds would follow by instinct. Thank you for your kind review. truly, Pat

[Patricia Wedel]

Thank you John for appreciating all that the birds and nature show us by example... how to survive with the diversity of life on earth. Perhaps if our Leaders would rise above the politics and try to save our civilization by creating a safe environment that does not allow evil doers and drugs to control the outcome, we may have a chance to keep our beautiful Earth free and safe. truly, Pat

[Coyote Poetry]

A wonderful poem and you are welcome Pat.

[Fran Marie]

This is a grand mixture o of beauty and strength which gives the feeling to one that he/ she can indeed handle whatever shall come ones way..such a lovey piece of poetry..

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Fran Marie... yes.. our world is a Masterpiece of art and beauty with phenomenal powers of persuasion if only every Country could do their part to protect the environment and the progress that each country has at their disposal... then we would have an answer to our prayers. Thank you for giving a grand review for a wish and prayers to change the heart of mankind and save all the people and the beauty therein. truly, Pat

[Sami Khalil]

A worthy message of truth and beauty. We just have to observe, learn and apply . Call on leaders to do more. We must. You are wise indeed.

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Sami... the world holds the Key to unlock the heart and mind of people to persuade others to work toward saving our beautiful world. We need a the Northern Lights to influence the hearts of all the Nations to preserve the treasures that we hold dear...
especially the people and the environment that holds it all together. Thank you Sami for your observations to learn and apply what is best for all people every where. truly, Pat

[Sami Khalil]

All true. You are welcome Patricia.

[Edie Blue Starfish]

there's a strength in this one that says 'bring it on' I can handle it

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Edie Blue... your review is appreciated... we listen to the news on "both sides of the aisle" and we are aware of the history of our country and all the wars and what we have fought for with a great price to pay. We must stand tall and prevail with love to all and malice to none. Decisions are critical at this point in time. We are on treacherous ground. Let us pray that our country will stand on principles that our forefathers designed to make us a great country. truly, Pat

[barleygirl]

Isn't a Manhattan poured into a short squatty glass? (I'm not a drinker, so I could be wrong). This might be a contrast between the short stiff drink & the long cool gladioli! I really don't know, but I love the idea of pouring an intoxicating brew of summer . . . that's a great opening line! I also love how your observations seem to be more "cerebral" than usual (you are often more into sensory). This is a great expression of originality from a versatile writer! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Margie... you are indeed charming. I just googled "how to prepare a "Manhattan". Interesting and it is served in a cocktail glass. I am not a "drinker", because I always want to be totally in control. However, my maternal grandmother always made an "old fashioned" drink for the Holidays and managed to always be in control. When I thought of "standing tall" the Gladioli came to mind. I received in the mail a Catalog of Glladioli and a bright red and orange photo a Gladioli caught my attention. It was named "Manhattan" so I chose a similar photo for my poem. It seemed to be a great opening line as you said. We do have a "poetic license"... don't we?. Yes, an intoxicating brew of summer does not necessarily have to be alcohol, as we have the ability to become "high" on spiritual sentimentality, and also when we are enthusiastic about our Country and the direction it may be temped to consider, but it may lead to destroying all we have endeavored to build and nourish with th loss of so many lives and limbs in wars to preserve a Democracy that has served us well. That is what my poem is all about. Wishing you a Cool and delightful summer in the shade with a Mint Julep even if it is only orange juice and will mint from your mountain side. Luv, Pat

[Patricia Wedel]

Orange juice and Wild Mint from your mountain side.
hugs, Pat

[barleygirl]

WOW! Am I glad you explained your poem to me, becuz I was missing the best part of it. I agree completely, that we dysfunctional warring humans could take a page from the book of nature where harmony prevails (most of the time!) I so wanted to shoot the tree squirrel that has been molesting the potted plants on my deck, but instead I just removed the water dish, which I noticed he uses daily. He hasn't returned! There can be a peaceful solution, but sometimes we're in too much of a hurry & we want instant results, instead of working thru a situation (I'm more guilty of this, than most!) *wink! wink!* Love the way you think about life & the world!

[Patricia Wedel]

We feed our birds outside the kitchen window. I put unsalted shelled peanuts on the ledge of the deck for the squirrels. They get a few of the peanuts, but mostly the black Ravens get the peanuts in their
beak and fly away with them like thieves on a mission. hugs, Pat

[Laura Kate]

I pictured a huge grey statue, strong and feminine, with a determined expression on her face, standing in a deep valley on the edge by the sea, with the grey clouds in a frenzy all around her. Staying still, and rooted, when you know which way to go, even despite the bad weather, is a real strength.

[Patricia Wedel]

dear LauraKate... how appropriate to envision a Statue of a woman determined to change the direction to a different longitudinal direction for our country... we are becoming more entangled in the cooperation of all countries to contribute to clean waters and a safe environment for future generations. Men and women to work together for strength and fortitude. Thank you for your observation. Reminds of the Statue of Liberty, but with a different perspective. fondly, Pat

[Laura Kate]

It reminded me of the Statue of Liberty too. Best wishes,
Laura

[Patricia Wedel]

Hi LauraKate.. a meeting of the minds is a good beginning for detente and goodwill... Amen Pat

[Robert Trakofler]

I love the word elegance... the simplest expression of a complex thing the holy grail of poetry one that i fear I may never achieve... but you did just that in these lines a Kandinsky rendering:) I enjoyed this and i tip my fedora to you and this poem!

[Patricia Wedel]

dear bad bunny... When I publish my book of poetry, your review of Gladiolus summer grace will be the gilded edges. Thank you for introducing me to the Abstract Art of Kandinsky. I read his biography and so much about his Art. I love his Composition VII, 1913
justly considered to be the apex of his artwork before the First World War ... considered by many Abstract Art aficionados to be the most important painting of the 20th Century -- perhaps even the most important abstract painting ever created... undeniably. truly beholding... Pat

[Robert Trakofler]

bunny is blushing in that honor:) The link of poetry and visual art is one i enjoy very much and have become more and more aware of and relish! I am elated that i could reciprocate the touch that you gave me in your poems unfolding

[Patricia Wedel]

You are welcome, bunny... enjoy the grace of summer. truly, Pat

[emmajoy]

Your poem says what should be, my ever wise and loving friend. What we have in corners near, in distance and where gladioli and their friends stand tall or creep the soil - life's there, waiting for Humankind to noTice it, care for it.. .. not trample it underfoot or rip it from its power source.

Your thoughts and creed should be an integral part of the 'How to Keep our World Alive Rules'.

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Em... we are the world so intricately defined by hands-of time. The Spirit of mankind has an opportunity to make a difference in preserving all we hold dear. This is our prayer. truly, Pat

[emmajoy]

Agree with every word you say, Pat. xx

[Chris Shaw]

We should learn from nature Pat by observation. Sadly we don't. Your poem so visual and in a few lines there is so much meaning about what is going on in our world today. Let us stand tall and strong like the gladioli, even though our politicians have their heads in the sand.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris... thank you Chris... there are miracles... and we do need a miracle. The force of good is very powerful, and we now have a struggle between good and evil. We can pray and the force of good will become more powerful, as prayer is powerful. Perhaps our country and our world will bloom like flowers in the field. truly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

That would be lovely :) I live in hope.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

I have witnessed that the adversity that we experience has brought forth more conversation, and when we have open up our feelings, there is always a possibility. Love is stronger than hate. Let us pray and hope. truly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

I do so agree with you Pat. Love has more power than hate. Chris

[.]

Another graceful write, Pat....

I like how you have chosen the simplicity of the flower and the flawless and unchanged routine of Birds as a personified allegory for deeper societal issues. Sometimes we can learn so much just by observing simple things in nature; how the flora and fauna maintain their adaptive routines to overcome all obstacles. For a dominant species, we humans do have a way of making life more difficult than it needs to be.

Another fine write. Elegant in its simplicity and importance of moral.

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Doodley... I wanted to write a poem about standing tall, and I thought of the Gladioli... so vibrant and strong against the winds of time. Thank you for sharing your feelings... it all begins with direction and the power of influence when our leaders listen to their inner Spirit to save mankind.
truly, Pat

[Einstein Noodle]

yes .. some trying times no doubt ... pity evolution seems not to apply to the "human condition" ... "Observe the birds..." and the lilies of the fields too eh!? ;) with eyes skyward one can not help but see how very small we each are :)))))))))
E.
ps i want to stand tall too Pat!

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Gene.. we are small in the Universe, however, our inner Spirit is phenomenal. We have a battle to encourage good and discourage evil. Prayer is powerful, because our thoughts can influence the outcome. Thank you for standing Tall. truly, Pat

[Patricia Wedel]

""Consider the Lillies of the field... " I think of the movie starring Sidney Poitier... where he was part of a miracle when his Spirit was influenced. The movie is entitled "Lillies of the Field". I adore that movie.
truly, Pat

[Einstein Noodle]

he is a real hero and example of human spirit and resolve ... its so evident in all his roles he has played .. i just looked him up and he is 92 yrs. old ... so cool! a real hero says i!

[Patricia Wedel]

Thank you Gene for sharing.... yes, Sir Sidney Poitier is an exceptional person, and has a Charisma par none... It seems he was born with a Gift. Blessings to you, Pat