The Acres

This is a series of four poems inspired by walks in a special nature preserve.

I.

A sea of black-eyed Susans beckons me.

Wild oats catch at my sleeve as I walk by.

They would save me from drowning

in a wave of black and gold.

I can think

of no more lovely way

to die.

II.

A single dark stain mars the white round of lace

at the chin of My Lady Queen Anne.

Is it a droplet of royal purple blood

or a spotlet of black currant jam?

III.

don't let the butter

fly 

too near the sun

to soften in the heat

and melt and run

and leave a yellow stain

upon the sky

too near the sun

don't let the butter

fly

IV.

The woodchuck scurries up his holey hill

And starts to see a stranger standing still

Upon the path that passes near his gate.

His red-brown coat reflects in summer's eye,

A flash against the earth's own dull brown dye

That makes the meadow-walker hesitate.

Their eyes meet for a moment black to green.

The woodchuck, more reluctant to be seen,

At once retreats behind a knobby knoll.

The lady (rather nosy) peeks around

And spies a reddish flash against the ground

As woodchuck hurries down his hilly hole.

As brief a meeting as you're apt to find

Delights the lonely meadow-walker's mind.

Reviews

[kentuck14]

A very nice walk indeed, Catherine. Wonderful images. Particularly enjoy the 1st stanza . . . being reluctantly saved by the wild oats! First time I've ever heard of one being rescued by their "wild oats!"
The use of the name "woodchuck" caught my eye. Seems that "groundhog" is the customary name. Back where I grew up in Northeast PA we called them woodchucks. Thanks for taking us to your favorite nature preserve. Welcome to the site . . . hope you enjoy your walkabout.
Tom

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I agree with Relic...a breath of fresh air is what your writing gives us.
your first piece brought me back to my favorite place...Ryegate, VT....
the pastures, the black-eyed susans....every farm a postcard..

as kids we constantly walked the pastures among the cows...
thanks for taking me back there.
j.

[Relic]

I must say your writing is a very refreshing change for me on this site. Each poem made me smile at the end. Well done and welcome to WC. :)

[Catherine Donavon]

Thank you for the welcome. I'm enjoying reading other writers' work. So much talent here.

[HadesRising]

A very interesting piece of poetry. Well Done.