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Violets

Among the common blades of grass
a wink of purple
a tease
to draw you towards
the violet’s
bearded monkey face
gaping at the sun.
They grew by my grandmother’s front door
which even strangers never thought to use.
My grandmother died.
They sold her house.
But here beneath my feet
a violet winks
and I am back
beside her canvas shoes
stooping
for a closer look.

 

Happy 11th Day of National Poetry Month! That means it is also day 11 of my backyard treasures project. This week I wrote about: a wall, hyacinth crumbs, the rain, a sweet gum ball, half an empty hickory shell, the color green, and violets.

For more Poetry Friday visit Michelle’s blog birthday bash at Today’s Little Ditty.

© Elizabeth Steinglass, 2014, all rights reserved

13 replies
  1. Linda Baie
    Linda Baie says:

    I just returned to my old house last week & saw the violets that I loved so. I need to plant some here in my new garden. Your poem reminded me. The canvas shoes, that term, really takes us back. I see Joy mentioned them too. I love your backyard writing, Liz.

    Reply
  2. maryleehahn
    maryleehahn says:

    The flowers that take me home are iris.

    Your poem is beautiful! I love the detail of the front door no one thought to use. That says so much in a few words.

    Reply

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