Today's Flowers: Rose of Sharon



From July 21, 2012



Cut them down 
If you want them 
To come back full 
Next year. 

This is my father's advice
And his practice
Every year
Except last year
When Nature
Tore summer down
With her two big hands
Her sharp teeth
Her cloven hooves
And her icy breath that burned like fire.

Y'ever seen so many flowers on those trees?
Dad asked me today.
As snow--heavy, wet, deep--caved in the memory of 
A long and early winter that broke my heart, 
I said,
No.

Today's Flowers

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13 Comments

  1. Rose sure stirred up some memories.

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  2. You've given us a lovely photo to go with your moving words. Thank you.

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  3. A lovely post Sandy. Beautiful photo too.

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  4. Rose of Sharon is such a lovely (and dependable ) flower. Such a nice post. Have a good weekend. Mickie :)

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  5. What beautiful thoughts you have provoked. Thank you
    Hugs
    SUeAnn

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  6. My wife's Rose of Sharon flowers are my favorites.

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  7. So touching and tender, Sandy. Lovely photo.

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  8. Oh and.. this article made me think of turtle-loving you.

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/20/north-carolina-turtle-surgery_n_1688248.html

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  9. Beautiful shot of the Rose of Sharon. Very powerful narrative too.

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  10. I love your poetry Sandy. Your photo is beautiful, and the thoughts that go with it are so touching.

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  11. Linda foto! A luz do sol ilumina e faz sombras! Amei!

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  12. Beautiful images and words, I admire anyone who can write poetry as I can not simply not do it.;)
    Hope you have been well Sandy.
    xoxo

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  13. The flowers are beautiful this year and your poetry is perfect here and above, just lovely.

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