BENEATH A PERGOLA

This is an attempt to write down in blank verse, my feelings of today, Saturday 31st May 2008. I sat in the garden musing on holidays and travel in today's world and wondered why I would ever want to leave what I have for the ordeal of modern airline tra

 

BENEATH A PERGOLA

 

 

A collared dove sits on the pergola, above me in a fresh, spring vine.

The sun is warm upon my head under not-yet-shady leaves,

among which, already, tiny fruits are forming.

 

All around are early roses, potted lilies ready to burst,

   african daisies and dicentra spectabilis; let’s call it ‘lady in the bath’.

     Pointed leaves, sword-like, wave and, nearby, the bay-tree stands

       shapely but ordered; bright spring leaf glistening in warm afternoon sun.

 

The English garden – No! My English Garden, shelters me,

wraps itself around me as I taste the delicacy of Assam tea

In China teacups, and scones,

fresh from the oven with raspberry jam and cream.

 

Someone, somewhere pushes an old, hand lawn-mower; a restful sound.

clipping melds with the chime of the church clock,

while seeds from the dove eating above me stroke my head.

 

I read of travel problems, lost luggage, fuel surcharges,

bankrupt airlines, crooked agents, delays, cancellations,

missed connections, impure cabin air, flight thromboses,

jet-lag, terminal chaos and on - - and on - - - and on - - - -

 

The English Garden – No! My English Garden, shelters me,

wraps itself around me as, again, I taste the delicacy of Assam Tea - - -

in China teacups - - - - -

 

 

John L. Berry,   31 May 2008.

Author's Note

I am not interested in ratings but I would like to hear your opinions on how the work flows, what you think of my line breaks, is it suitably different from simple prose. These things offer me the opportunity to improve my work, which is what matters. I always try to reciprocate, JohnL

Reviews

[Lily1111]

John this is just a lovely poem that resonates with me so well. The feeling of never wanting to leave the peace and serenity of such a beautiful garden is shared and that is what connected me immediately to your words. The flow was gentle and easy like a soft breeze so appropriate for this poem.

The incorporation of the repeating lines:

The English Garden � No! My English Garden, shelters me,wraps itself around me as, again, I taste the delicacy of Assam Tea - - -in China teacups - - - - -

was wonderful as it reinforced the feeling portrayed. Then the contrast of air travel and the accompanying stress really made one feel as if they should never leave this lovely garden. Really quite brilliant!

[Bluedaizy]

I have to agree with Lily. I was right there with you. Why is it the sound of a mower so restful? I always want to nap when I hear it. I feel at peace and all is right in my world...that's how your poem impacts me. Thanks again for sharing your beautiful imagery!