pansy hues
pansy hues

Such a lover of color he was,
always savoring; savoring the
soul-soothing wild indigo, the
blue of a summer sky and the
·
way a daisy with yellow tummy
and white fringe reminded him
to center. He loved the roses,
thorned and feral in racy and
·
raunchy reds and salacious
pinks, accenting the landscape,
exploding with an earthy laugh.
Peppermint was known to trip
·
him into ecstasy; the licorice scent
of fennel to tickle his fancy from
hat to boots. Trees were wise,
with their bulk, age, and sage
·
gnarled trunks. He loved the
sun, setting in Arizona colors,
flaming yellows and oranges,
rising at dawn in New York’s
·
spring peach and pansy hues.
An amiable meal and a good
night’s sleep were raptures
treasured. A cup of coffee, a
·
glass of wine, magical elixirs.
He loved his child too, going
about the business of play, fresh
hands rummaging in new worlds.
·
He loved. He just loved –
….today’s joy,
……..tomorrow’s hope,
…………yesterday’s confusions …

“I love you as one loves certain obscure things,
secretly, between the shadow and the soul.”
One Hundred Love Sonnets: XVII by Pablo Neruda in The Essential Neruda: Selected Poems

© 2010 (poem), 2014 (photograph), Jamie Dedes, All rights reserved

16 Comments

  5. Are you just being poetic or is that the saddest of all poems? If you get a chance I would love you to read “Silences” Its in poetry pages. I think it is so sad because it promise the world.

    Like

    Reply

  9. I remember my daughter introducing Neruda’s poetry to us on Valentine’s Day 2008; my husband died the next night. She drew and framed a beautiful calligraphy piece for me later. The sensuality of his poetry is nicely reflected in yours, Jamie.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a reply to suchled Cancel reply