The following reflections are short six line poems all under the one heading moments in our garden. I am still learning to grasp the Japanese form of poetry called Tanka. These are not tanka but in future i will work at using that form to give short reflections extra power.
moments in our garden
* * * *
camellia
* * * *
with bright red flowers
like pinned on brooches
decorating a drag-queen’s gown
the camellia
flamboyantly
brightens the low winter sky
* * * *
waiting
* * * *
magnolia branches
stark in a moody sky
their bristly twigs
dressed barely
in tight furry buds
waiting to capitulate
* * * *
star magnolia
* * * *
one capricious bud
peeps
from its furry coat
too curious to await
the season
for its unfolding
* * * *
the blue gum
* * * *
the sagacious eucalypt
sheds sienna-singed
motley
smile-shaped leaves
yet still shares
its dappled shade
* * * *
a return
* * * *
ah what joy
chortle of the magpies
and their foray into the garden
means they have returned to nest
and I am still here
to welcome their offspring