"Expectations"

Expectations

Little explorer clad in silence
reflects on adventures
yet to flower -

beside river bank he balances,
ponders a million different paths
the midnight stars might lead.

by Margaret Bednar, April 30, 2014


This is for "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Word List with Grapeling"  The words are selected form a favorite children's' story of Grapeling's -  "The Little Prince" and the challenge is to write a poem in the spirit of the book.  I confess, I have yet to read this classic, so I used seven of the words and hope that will be good enough.

This wraps up my 30 poems in April  - also known as:  NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month.  The website is HERE.

 I am on a blog break for a few days and will post on Monday, May 5th the winner of the drawing below - You have until May 4th - midnight to sign up.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry.  If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING.  THANKS. 

"Gimli"

"Gimli"

He implores
with tail and whine

"Apple blossoms are blooming, 
swallows are swooping,
spring's minty fringe
will soon give way to summer heat."

I look out my window, see he's right,
grab the leash; wonder who is walking who.

Margaret Bednar, April 29, 2014


This is linked with "Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's - Talk to the Animals" hosted by Helen.

I'm far behind on commenting for the last few challenges at "The Garden" (2 which were challenges hosted by me!).  We have had quite a bit of activity on our house for sale (no offers yet) and a few one hour notices … suffice it to say, I'm nearly pulling my hair out.  

I am taking a blogging break for the next few days as my husband and I are celebrating our 24th anniversary! 

I will catch up visiting and commenting but will not be posting anything for a few days after Grapeling's wordlist challenge tomorrow.   I actually did a poem a day for all of April.  

I will select a winner for the drawing described below when I get back!   

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month.  The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry.  If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING.  THANKS. 

"Life's Dance'

Life's Dance

Tulips are most glorious
come high spring,

flaunt not, as true beauty
graciously shares gifts
of which most are envious.

Lilies and dahlias
will have their day,

but for now light bows low
as the bell of the ball
savors life's brief dance.

by Margaret Bednar, April 28, 2014

Come read and share your poetry over at "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Open Link Monday"  This poem is linked there.

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month.  The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry.  If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING.  THANKS. 

"Bliss"

Bliss

One of life's simple pleasures
is the smell of butterflies and clover,
of sunshine after spring showers -

of capturing the day with a clothespin
and wrapping oneself up with it for the night.

by Margaret Bednar, April 27, 2014

This is linked with "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Play it Again #4".  I chose the "Artistic Interpretations - Maria Wulf's Visual Poetry" challenge posted on November 1, 2013.

 My mother hangs everything on the clothes line and this smell always transports me back to my childhood.  I used to be horribly embarrassed as a teenager -  I had not a few high school friends snicker at my teeny tiny bras…

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month.  The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry.  If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING.  THANKS. 

"Why"

M. Bednar iPhone

Why?

"Dad, why does the wind wrinkle the water?"
one of many "wondering" thoughts
he earnestly asks while on a ten mile bike ride
wandering up and down (one too many) hills.

Dad finds the words; he always does,
which sends him off pondering whatever he spies
next, while I enjoy a winsome view of the two
holding hands, wildly content to welcome this respite.

by Margaret Bednar, April 27, 2014


This is linked with "Imaginary Garden With Real Toads - The Letter W" hosted by Marian.  I used 14…  We DID take a hilly, ten mile bike ride today and my six year son did ask questions non-stop.  We just kept laughing at his inquisitiveness.  I enjoyed watching my husband answer every single one.  (He didn't really ask about the wrinkly water, though.  - that's artistic license :)

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month.  The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry.  If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING.  THANKS. 

"What Number?"

All Photography courtesy of Lisa Gordon

What Number?

I hear the trees whisper of dark places,
cold, wet sheets, halls damp with neglect.

Bees sip nectar, buzz of straps, gags, "the blitz".

Sunlight hints of blinding lights, screams,
backs straining, convulsing.

Nurse hears me hum "Tonight We Love".
Asks "Do you imagine a sensual touch?"

Like the river nearby, my mind rushes.
I don't remember yesterday, only this garden.

Nurse pats my hand, opens devotional,
"You're settled today, dear", pulls sleeve
over  my red wrists.

Tells me "Don't think, don't frown".
Time continues to slip…

becomes moonbeams, stars, the feel of lips,
the night we loved… I stop humming.

Nurse turns, squints, makes eye contact.
I startle.  She yells for help.

The trees and bees no longer whisper,
no longer buzz, as the halls echo
"Don't erase me!"

Wonder when my suitcase will bump
up attic stairs, body used for science,
what number my grave will bear?

by Margaret Bednar, April 25, 2014

This is for Imaginary Garden of Real Toads - Artistic Interpretations - Willard Asylum.  Located in New York, this asylum opened in 1869, closed 1995.   Jon Crispin is photographing a project (funded through Kickstarter) called "Willard Suitcases".   Lisa Gordon, a fabulous photographer toured the closed facility.  Her photos are not "feel good" photos.  Click HERE.   For more insight and links, click on the Garden's link at the beginning of this paragraph.

The video below is a recording of an album found in one of the suitcases photographed by Jon Crispin.

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month.  The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry.  If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING.  THANKS. 

"Impermanence"

These newborn baby birds fell with their nest to the ground

Impermanence

The heavens open
and little angels fall
delicate and pure -
wings so fragile,
skin so thin,
sparse tufts of fuzz
halo their head.

I'm not sure I can save them,
perhaps these first hours
will be their last;
no warble ever to sound,
no wing ever to soar.

One minute, secure,
the next, free-falling
and I feel the utter helplessness
of  "All the king's men"
as I try piecing
this shattered nest
together again.

by Margaret Bednar, April 24, 2014

UPDATE 4-25-2014  I checked on them this morning and they did not make it.  The mother never found them.  They are all huddled together in the nest.  I am grateful they had that.   It really instilled in me the absolute miracle of life, though.  I've never been so close to newborn birds - everything is precious, every life, human or animal, is a gift.  



The nest fell from my outdoor umbrella as I opened it for the first time this spring.  I ended up putting the nest on a shoebox lid and strapping the whole thing to the inner branches of the evergreen you see behind the adirondak chairs.  The mother flew all around the umbrella looking for her babies - near broke my heart.  I decided to go inside as I didn't want to scare her anymore.  I will check tomorrow and see if she found them…

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month.  The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry.  If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING.  THANKS. 

"Drift"

Drift

I watch silky pink ballerinas
play drifting games.
Most pirouette downward,
bed themselves thickly.

A few rebels drift far away,
seemingly bobbing, gyrating
to rock-n-roll lyrics -

until the breeze
they are drifting upon drifts away,
tempo changes once again

and they slow dance
to the ground, make way
for summer green.

by Margaret Bednar, April 23, 2014

This difficult challenge is for "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Out of Standard - Invoking the Goog" We had to type a word into google and use the words in the order they appeared (but they could be separated).   My word was drift:

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month.  The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry.  If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING.  THANKS. 

"The Artisan'

The Artisan

Spinning.  As a child,
I enjoyed becoming dizzy,
falling to the ground,
grass tickling my neck,
eyes skyward -

imagined a time the waters
reflected heaven alone,
earth spinning shades
of just blues and whites,
a drop of green, suspended.

Marvel I,
in some small way,
am part of God's artistic finger

and so are you.

Margaret Bednar, April 22, 2014

This is for "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Whozits & Wahtzits Galare" with Lolamouse.  She recently traveled to Portland, OR, and found herself in a store with lots of curious things.  I chose the above photo and let my mind wander back a few years.   I don't like spinning any more, stay away from any rides that involve it (and heights) … I'm really no fun at a theme park.   I was watching my girls spin the other day and I guess it helped trigger this poem.

This is also linked with Flash Fiction 55 - this week over at Mama Zen's.  In a short while it will have a permanent home at the Imaginary Garden of Real Toads -

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month.  The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry.  If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING.  THANKS. 

"Unfolding"

Observing my daughters from the 5th floor balcony 

Unfolding

Renewal often ripples forth
like finely woven waves
loosening their pearls and knits
one, two at a time,
ensuring I don't unravel completely.

I seldom wake suddenly, rather
stir faintly, and so too, my intellect -
gently led, not so much by reason
but moments of sentiment,
when desire, grief, joy, pride,
shame, sympathy have long since
swelled and crashed my shore.

It's the lull of silence, of gentle
quiet times when I listen,
when truth unfolds.

by Margaret Bednar, April 21, 2014


This is for Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Open Link Monday.

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month.  The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry.  If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING.  THANKS. 

"Cardinal Red"

                      A
                  ride
            through
        Jerusalem's
      gate, the start of
< our lOrd's passion,
     Palm Sunday Mass,
      the votive Mass of the 
        Precious Blood, martyrdom
          of the apostles, all but John, and
          special feast days of martyrs who've
            given their lives so one may believe. Yet red
              also symbolizes the love of God, a burning flame sent
                on Pentacost, tongues of fire dancing above beloved apostles - flames coming to rest
                  upon their head. For enlightenment that would lead to death - and life everlasting
                     Red for confirmation; becoming part of the living fire.   Red for votive Masses 
                       of the Holy Spirit.  Red vestments are worn to awaken the faithful to a 
                           sense of sacred time.  A visible way to present the holy, the
                              mystery made visible, a means to help celebrate a 
                                  love for Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.
                                     I'm named for the red robes worn by
                                          the Roman Catholic cardinals.
                                              View my fiery beauty, 
                                              hear my vibrant song.
                                                 h                  h                
                                                 a                  a
                                                 l                   l
                                                 l                   l
                                                 e                  e
                                                 l                   l
                                              ujah!              ujah!
                                               

This is for "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Mini Challenge for Easter Sunday" - a concrete or shape poem.  It's not so much a poem, but what red stands for in the Catholic Church.  I'm strapped for time this weekend and I hope to come back and rephrase it a bit to make it a bit more "musical" or poetic.

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month.  The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry.  If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING.  THANKS. 

"Love Struck"

Love Struck

Through the tulips
I croon, of life, of love,
of strummed spring showers
where we danced tip toe.

Falcetto highs, baritone lows…

blow kisses to one I loved,
pluck scarlet path and croon
of life, of loss,
throw myself over a c
                                 l
                                 i
                                 f
                                 f
                                     black heart. 


by Margaret Bednar, April 19, 2014


A Turkish legend may be responsible for the red tulip's symbolism.  The story goes that a prince named Farhad was love struck by a maiden named Shirin.  When Farhad learned that Shirin had been killed, he was so overcome with grief that he killed himself riding his horse over the edge of a cliff.  It's said that the scarlet tulip sprang up from each droplet of his blood, giving the red tulip the meaning of "perfect love".

This is for "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads with Sam Edge"  He called for Avant-garde poetry, inspired by e. e. cummings.  So completely different from my writing.   Wished I'd had more time to give this some thought - but this is what I came up with in ten minutes.

"A Picnic"

Burnside Bridge

A Picnic

We dip our toes

where rivers ran red

and souls took flight,

tread fields

where cannons shook stalks

and mighty men fell.

Picnic upon plaid,

gaze upon cotton shaped clouds,

re-tell strife of yesteryear.

Do we hear

the moral of the story,

can we feel a ray of light?

Margaret Bednar, April 18, 2014

I visited the Antietam Civil War Battlefield - (a battle fought on farmland of corn and wheat) a couple of years ago and it still lingers - the quiet can be sliced with a knife - perhaps because it has been so well preserved - I felt like the past was going to rise up and replay itself before my eyes…

What is cool, is my photograph is about the vantage point of the battlefield artist, Edwin Forbes, below!

This is linked to "Imaginary Garden of Real Toads - Imagined by Marian" - loosely based upon the music video presented by Marian - or at least the train of thought it triggered.  

Battle of Antietam - a (long) overview.

Edwin Forbes - battelfield artist

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month.  The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry.  If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING.  THANKS. 

"Collection"

"Collection"

I've a few Madonnas,
angels, a statue of John Paul II,
all arranged nicely
on grandmother's walnut shelf.

I know the Christ child
and Murano crucifix
will be passed down for generations,

but what will happen
to my books, double-shelved,
behind cabinet doors,
stacked table-high bedside?

Perhaps I can stop
bringing them home; after all,
I've learned to look
a puppy in the eyes,
say "Oh, no!" but books,

how will I say "No" to half-off,
used, sometimes out-of-print?
Twenty dollars and I'm walking out
with an armload.

My husband says it's "addiction",
I say "collection", point out
it's a lot cheaper than jewelry.

by Margaret Bednar, April 17, 2014

Behind those cabinet doors…

and this is just the first floor - the kids library (not shown) is upstairs …

…and my "solution" to the books stacked on the floor -

a perfect nightstand for the book lover:

This is for "Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's - Collections"  I feel like I have just confessed :)

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month.  The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry.  If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING.  THANKS. 

"Yellow Rain Slicker"

Memories flicker 'round her head

of new yellow rain slicker, 

rubber boots to match, pulled on…

dashes outside,

body bends, doubles over,

soars for the big

laughter bubbles, bursts,

body quivers, arms flap,

skips along, unrestricted.

Mother smiles

upon this joyous bouquet

of youthful frivolity

as he jumps again, and again…

until the image,
like film at the end of the reel,
stutters

flip, flip, flip, flip, flip…

The End

This is linked with "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Let's Go to the (Silent) Movies"  This is a reworking of a poem I wrote in April 2012.   I finally did throw this away, just don't have the space for it in my closet - the boots were worn through and the jacket beyond "give-away" status.  He is only six - still not to old for a raincoat.  I might just buy him another today.  

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month.  The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry.  If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING.  THANKS. 

"The Interruption"

The Interruption

Beneath dogwood's blossoms pink
swings a dainty cottage house -
dappled shade does help to hide
precious eggs of speckled blue.

Morning song does greet my ear
fluttering wings as I come near -
tilted heads as birdbath fills,
I depart and woodland song resumes.

by Margaret Bednar, April 15, 2014

This is for "Imaginary Garden of Real Toad's - Sonnets".  Is this considered a sonnet?  We were allowed to do one as short as two stanzas.

There is a nest in my "decorative" birdhouse for the first time.  I am so excited and am being very dutiful in keeping my birdbath scrubbed and filled!  I've seen blue birds and all sorts of sparrows and other birds.  I have my windows cleaned and camera ready and my new "old " 1975 (4th addition) Song & Garden Birds of North America on my desk.  I really want to learn more about birds and I do live in a great state for birding…

I never thought a bird would make it a home.  I just read that bird houses should be on poles as black snakes can pose a problem! - Let's hope for the best.

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month.  The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry.  If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING.  THANKS. 

"I'll Never Know"

I'll Never Know

Did my four nesting cockles
tumble gently in
beneath new moon's virginal gaze

or were they hurled
within the fury of a west-wind storm,
no moon in sight?

I'll never know.

by Margaret Bednar, April 14, 2014

For Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's - Open Link Night.

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month.  The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry.  If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING.  THANKS. 

"A Crossroad"

by Chelsea Bednar from her high school sketch book

A Crossroad

So dainty, so pastel fresh
these newly sprouting buds
stretch toward the light.
No thinking involved,
no decisions to make.
Spring doesn't require it.

There are times I wish
I could turn to Mother
like I used to,
have her comb my hair,
sing me a song, read
my favorite story,

tell me everything
will be all right.  If only
I could turn back time
to the way things
used to be.  But just
for one night -

before she hands me
the dreaded list of
Saturday morning chores.

by Margaret Bednar, April 13, 2014


Linked with "Imaginary Garden of Real Toads - Routines" with Grace.   This poem is a bit more wishful thinking on my part, I'm sure as my oldest daughter is probably having way too much fun in college to really wish for the old routine - but I do.

This poem is for her - with a little bit of sweetness, a little bit of sass (just like her).

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month.  The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry.  If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING.  THANKS. 

"Cheer Up, Moon"

"Cheer Up, Moon"

The sun smiles
and all is fine,
flowers grow
and vines do twine,
bloom with color,
radiant and bright.

Yet moon is sad.
All's not fair
as shadows grow
beneath his care.
Yet, one night shines
with all his might

each month a dream!
Midsummer nights
bring forth water sprites,
Autumn; harvest lights.
Each season, each moon,
a special sign.

So cheer up, Moon,
lift that chin,
sliver a smile,
or beam full on.
Await we, your nightly gift
of neatly keeping time.

by Margaret Bednar, April 12, 2014

This is for my challenge over at "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - A Child's Verse"

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month.  The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry.  If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING.  THANKS. 

"Wisteria"

Wisteria

In stillness I cling
to cypress and tupelo gum,
dangle above blackwater bog,

envelop secrets of those
who've loved and lost

beneath my pendulously fragrant,
cascading, lavender falls.

by Margaret Bednar, April 11, 2014

This is for "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Transforming Friday with Nature's Wonders"  Hannah is hosting and has posted an amazing video of the Tunnel of Japan.

I always think these blooming vines look like lavender water falls …

The photos I took while visiting "Magnolia Plantation" in South Carolina.  I wish I had been able to get there this year while the blooms are peaking… maybe next year.   The fragrance that emanates from the Wisteria is out of this world!  I find them particularly charming in the wild, however, they are very lovely hanging from the plantation's pergolas as well.

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month.  The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry.  If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING.  THANKS. 

"Grief"

Flowers, by Odilon Redon

Grief

Left too long within a vase
flowers droop and die

so free them I will
let color saturate the sky,
dissolve into pastel blues
become a scrim where nightingales fly.

Keep a few pressed within a book
remind me it's o.k. to cry.

by Margaret Bednar, April 10, 2014

Mystery, by Odilon Redon

notes:

Nightingales are symbolic of love and longing.

Scrim:  in theatre - an allusion of a solid wall or backdrop creating a semi-transparent curtain when lit from behind.

This is for "Imaginary Garden of Real Toads - The Art of Odilon Redon" - our marching orders?  Write an ekphrasis poem - a literary description or commentary on a visual work of art.

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month.  The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry.  If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING.  THANKS. 

"Fleeting"

Fleeting

Seemingly pretentious
are Virginia bluebells,
trumpeting arrival
with pomp and circumstance -

languidly draped across April's lap, nodding heavily, dappled

with afternoon's light.

All too soon find I miss them,
woodland's canopy having dismissed
this first glimpse of spring's
unrivaled blessings in blue.

by Margaret Bednar, April 9, 2014

Today's challenge over at the "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Words Count with Mama Zen" is to write a poem in 66 words or less depicting the best & worst of April.

I did it in 48 and played a bit loose with the theme.  I adore the flash and brilliance of April's first colors, but they are so short lived.  There have been times I have finally found the time to photograph the beauty of spring's first flowers to find  … they have already disappeared!   I've made several trips to Charleston, SC plantations to find the Azaleas, Jasmine, Wysteria, etc already gone!

So, for me my favorite perennial wildflowers are abloom in April - and I seem unable to get away to enjoy them - and it is agony for me to walk among the garden trails knowing I missed them by a few days…

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month.  The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry.  If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING.  THANKS. 

"The Bluebird's Path"

The Bluebird's Path

Redbud and jasmine are waking,
sap's begun to rise

upon old fence rail he poses,
heralds dawn with sprightly song

his mate upon six eggs of blue
within their nesting box -

Sky upon his back, joy
within his throat "Turee, turee"

floats nature's pulse
riding springtime's breeze

over farmer's rolling field,
beside bluebird's winding trail.

by Margaret Bednar, April 8, 2014


* (I have always loved Henry David Thoreau's "The bluebird carries the sky on his back")

This is for Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's "All About Abodes" with Helen.  I took a bit of liberty as I wrote about a bluebird dwelling.  I usually see them on a pole, but this one is attached to a tree - more susceptible to black snakes - but they also nest in old woodpecker holes, so I guess this is natural.

I read the bluebird is in decline and people are putting up bluebird houses.  I realize I have two in my yard - one in the front and one way in back.  I read they are supposed to be cleaned out each season after nesting.  I never knew.  I'll have to do that and see if anything transpires.

Also linking this up with Flash Fiction 55.  The party is now hosted by Mama Zen & Fireblossom (G-Man is just one of the "regular" guys now :)

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month.  The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry.  If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING.  THANKS. 

"The Invitation"

The Invitation

I remember when you braided daisies,
wove them gently through your hair,
spun, unbridled -

remember when your tangled tresses
framed a face
flush with hope and sun.

Beneath today's clear blue sky,
will you take my hand and learn
to dream again?

by Margaret Bednar, (original Nov, 2012) updated April 7, 2014

This is a remake of an old poem I wrote back in November of 2012.  I find the old one rather clunky, didn't really capture what I wanted to express.  I think this version is closer.

This is linked with Imaginary Garden of Real Toads - Open Link Monday.

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month.  The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry.  If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING.  THANKS. 

"Revelations"

Revelations

Sundays I seek light,
slip into solitude,
absorb revelations through my lens -

contemplate each epiphany,
question what each impression
unveils about myself.

by Margaret Bednar, April 4, 2014

This is for "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Sunday Mini Challenge - Write about your Sunday"

Gimli is usually along for the Sunday journey

For the month of April, I am participating in NaPoWriMo2014 or National Poetry Writing Month.  The website is HERE.

In celebration of this year's challenge, I will be giving away a free book of my poetry.  If you are interested in participating in this drawing, please click the red logo at the top of my side bar and leave your name and a means to reach (blog, email, etc) you in the comment section.

PLEASE INDICATE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAWING OR I WILL ASSUME YOU ARE JUST COMMENTING.  THANKS.