Connected Roots

On By Michele LeeIn nature, Verse
Golden petals burst
from a winding stem,
sprang forth from a seed,
that wound its way into dry desert dirt.
Planted in soil, not of its native origin.

Reflective tears burst
from the one standing in Sonoran dirt,
flowing from a realization,
that they are similar, she and the foreign bloom.
Rooted in soil, not stained with her crimson-colored origin.

Verdant leaves burst
from a tree held upright by the compact dirt,
providing respite and protective shelter to life above,
offering nutrients, fruit, and protective shade to life below.
Standing in soil, grounded in its native origin.

A rose in the desert grows,
answering to the name, Lady Banks,
not Desert Rose.
Expanding her reach and returning to her glory
year after year.
Without paparazzi, red carpet, or fanfare,
briefly and sometimes unexpectedly,
she does appear.

Stretching toward the sky,
a blooming Lady Banks and her nurturing desert rose
share warm rays, a love of beauty, and a longing for a distant home.
A place unknown – their hidden roots connected and forever bound
to their place of origin.

A glorious time of year. Miss Lady Banks made a return! She magnificently captures and reflects the sun and adds delicate yellow to a grey wall. She shares garden space with cacti and other plants that are indigenous to the southwest. Her blooms are brief and beautiful and were questionable this year, given the region’s excessive heat. 🌞 To my fellow northern hemisphere dwellers, welcome to the first day of spring! 🌻 Thank you for visiting. Be well. 💛 Michele

Photos: me and Lady Banks 🌹👑

© 2021 Michele Lee Sefton.

72 thoughts on “Connected Roots”

  7. Ah, I read this on the first day of spring and I am enchanted! I love the way you capture the essence of from seed to flower through water and nourishment into full bloom. Your Miss Lady Bank is as lovely as the poem.

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    1. I was concerned she would be a no-show. Last summer and beyond was exceptionally hot with little rain. Fortunately, she survived! A few less roses, but she is not done blooming, so we shall see. Thank you, Kym. 😄 It is easier to start spring here, since we never really have a winter. 😆 Thank you for reading and appreciating. 💗🤗

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      1. Oh my pleasure Michele. You know, I have a rose bush that goes through the same finicky behavior. Last year that bush went through some issues, attacks from insects I’ve never seen before. So, I pruned her back and she seems to be sprouting out new growth that shows signs of recovery! 🙂 I’m keeping my fingers crossed girl! Have a lovely day! ❤

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    1. Thanks so much, Jerry, for the visit and the kind words. 😊 I look forward to seeing your beautiful photos from the season, and if you are inclined, sharing more of your captures on future posts. 🥰 Enjoy your day!

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  17. I re-planted my Grandfather rose bush many years ago dear Michele. Like your rose bush, expanded to cover the back of the house. He told me. They were roses of the King. Hello from Michigan. I hope you are enjoying the first day of Spring.

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  18. Blooming whether anyone cheers or not… that is natures gift to us. It is sad when we realize that our good life is rooted in the displacement of so many Native Americans who first live where we live now.

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    1. Thank you for recognizing and mentioning this truth. 🙏🏻Our country is rich in natural beauty and resources. Sadly, it is also plentiful in stories of violence and oppression of those who were the first stewards of this land of plenty.

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    1. Thank you! A moment of connection in the garden. I am sure you have many of those, given your abundantly rich green surroundings. 💚 I will enjoy the season before the excessive heat is upon us. 🥵 😆 Happy and healthy spring to you two!

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    1. Thank you. 😊 Observant, you are. It is only a matter of time before I too wind my way into the dirt and spring forth as a golden desert rose. That reads a bit morbid. 🤔 In the meantime… how about a green frock and yellow hair wearing garden gnome? 😂

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  28. Your poetry – like your flowers (and smile) is beautiful, Michele. I really enjoyed reading your work, which inspired me to write a short poem…

    From separate places to common spaces
    In a garden tended by loving hand
    Plants and people of nature and nurture
    Sharing golden beauty across the land

    I posted my poem and linked to yours as reference – hope that’s OK. Otherwise, I can unlink. Have a wonderful weekend, my friend 🌞

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