"Winter Sunflower"

Winter Sunflower 

Goldfinches have long since picked you dry,
flittered away after the crucifixion.

A crown once awash with light
now rests upon drooping neck,

tarnished not with pity,
but sacrifice.

Your face hints of sun-drenched days,
yet the tappity splat of thawing, frosted air

is the beginning of springs's marching band
and your resurrection.

by Margaret Bednar, November 1, 2013

This is linked with "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Artistic Interpretations - with Maria Wulf".  Maria is a fiber artist and blogs at "Full Moon Fiber Art" and lives on "Bedlam Farm" with her husband, author John Katz.

"Heatwave"

Photo by Margaret Bednar

Heatwave

A fever oscillates across my skin
swigs stamina and strength from my bones,
yet offers no toast to acknowledge my hospitality.

I'm just "southern" enough to graciously welcome
unwanted guests, find beauty in wilting leaves bowing temporarily
to a stronger force; enjoy the ballet of grandmother's quilt
as it lifts a corner, flutters gracefully as the fever exhales;

imagine I'm a bartender serving shots during happy hour,
carefully pour each living thing a drink - temperance observed;
join the hens in a silent brooding, thankful the border collie
rallies strength to scan for the devil;

look forward to the lick of night when the visitor rests,
yellow haze behind my eyelids finally fades to black.

by Margaret Bednar, November 1, 2013

This is linked with "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Artistic Interpretations - with Maria Wulf".  Maria is a fiber artist and blogs at "Full Moon Fiber Art" and lives on "Bedlam Farm" with her husband, author John Katz.