By Jean Ponzi
My Gramma had a tailored suit
(worsted, subtle opal luster)
she sewed for herself
and wore in spring:
her Sky-Blue Pink
with the Heavenly Border.
Inherited, I clothe myself
in ideation, in perspective,
in the fun of turn of phrase,
to stand out on the little porch
(hand-built with my beloved)
up in the arms of our
Queen o’ Trees.
Saucer Magnolia.
Roseate, radiant!
Early-spring beauty
each year risking
rush into blossom,
meeting those first few
teasing warm days.
Thank you for holding back
this time ‘round,
scant time enough to miss
one short freeze.
Others o’ your kind,
along streets I travel,
opened without hesitation.
One day, briefly glorious!
Then their buds, nipped,
drooped and browned.
Half a moon later you,
Oh Queen,
persist in glowing!
Cream-pink splendour!
I witnessed you in
one bright moment:
storm massing,
branches shivered.
Dancing with a Zephyr gust!
Wild breath sent a hail
sumptuous curls sailing.
Blush blizzard –
Horizontal!
Pelting our home-place
guardian:
Sycamore Sentinel.
Two trees in sight
but ever distant
touch in a petal torrent.
Holding them still is a broad tufted path
moonlight ovals, fading into violets.
Who names her suits?
Who stories trees?
Who plays herself
through Nature changes?
Jean Ponzi is a longtime local voice for Earth, contributing to The Healthy Planet since one issue after the magazine’s founding. This year Green Jean is studying Nature o’ Change, sharing for Earth Day her first-third report.