November Garden

By John I. Blair

Gold and russet leaves
Mat across the still-soft grass
And bunch up around the house,
The redbuds, dogwood, ferns and plum,
Tucking them in for cold to come.

Although the hardy pioneers,
The Dutch iris and lycoris,
Wave tough new spikes,
Soaking up the slanting sun,
The other bulbs stay deep,

Biding their time, waiting
Patiently for Spring,
Gathering strength
Till February rain and sleet
Kickstart March and April.

And I’m content to watch
From safe inside, warm, at peace
With myself and with the world,
Shrugging away worries, fears,
Sheltering hope for green tomorrows.

©2008 John I. Blair