“They Waited”
And now the buds of dogwood
swivel their red eyes about,
anxious for the sight of her.
Though it’s a winter dream,
they’re in a rush to grow up.
Some day display pink and white faces,
impatient for a sparkling spring.
How they peer for many hours,
restless for the sight of her.
Branches loll about,
talking of her warm cedar bench.
They know it’s time
for this great event.
How can I tell them,
her life has been spent?
Pink umbrellas close.
Cries come from within.
Next year’s bud eyes
will also look about
to see if Pam has come out.
These buds drop befuddled,
form a red blood puddle.
They are baffled with
Mother Nature’s puzzle.
Charles N. Inge is a Lynden, Washington resident and frequent writer for Northwest Prime Time and writing friend of Ariele’s. This is his ode to the dogwood. Go to “search” for Sharing Stories to see more of his poems.
SHARING STORIES is a weekly column for and about the 50 plus crowd living in the Puget Sound region. Send your stories and photos to ariele@comcast.net. Tell local or personal stories; discuss concerns around aging and other issues; share solutions, good luck, and reasons to celebrate; poems are fine too. Pieces may be edited or excerpted. We reserve the right to select among pieces. Photos are always a plus and a one-sentence bio is requested (where you live, maybe age or career, retired status, etc.).
SHARING STORIES is featured on http://www.northwestprimetime.com, the website for Northwest Prime Time, a monthly publication for baby boomers, seniors, retirees, and those contemplating retirement. The newspaper can be found in the greater Seattle area and other Puget Sound locations. For more information, call 206-824-8600 or visit http://www.northwestprimetime.com. To find other SHARING STORIES articles on this website type “sharing stories” in the search function above.
