Growing A Zinnia

I did nothing but comfort my plants, till now their small green cheeks are covered with smiles. ~Emily Dickinson, American poet

I confess you were an afterthought,
A spur-of-the-moment something I bought.
I found you nestled in a dahlia patch,
Your color stood out from the rest of the batch.

I asked the clerk which one she’d choose.
With no hesitation, she pointed to you.
“I think you’ll be pleased” is what she said,
So I put you in my cart without any dread.

I planted you where you’d get sun and shade;
Watered you, guarded you, and often prayed
That you’d be happy living here with me
And wouldn’t long for what wouldn’t be.

Just look at you now, healthy and lush!
Your colors are radiant, making me blush.
For my part in helping you thrive and grow,
I couldn’t be happier; my heart is aglow.

Note: Poetry form is rhyming couplets.

After Christmas

When the gifts are unwrapped
And the bows put away;
When the holiday trimmings
Are gone for the day.

When the ham is devoured
And the pies are all gone;
When the company’s departed
At the first sign of dawn.

When the trash is left sitting
By the curb in its bin;
When the tree’s been dismantled
And all the snowmen.

Then a hush settles over
Your home and you, too;
So out with the old
And in with the new!

Today’s a new year
With a fresh, clean slate;
Opportunity beckons
To make your life great.

Try something new or
Perfect something old;
Smile a bit more,
Reach for the gold.

Lift up your heart
2025 is now here;
Resolve to keep Christmas
All of this year.