The Dogwoods

The Dogwoods
by Rachelle Reese

A flurry of blossoms
stagger through the winter bare oaks
dogwood white, harbinger of green
petals glow luminous salmon orange and violet
as the sun sets one last time
before the oak leaves open
and engulf the dogwood pearls
in an emerald tidal wave

Eternal Pride

Eternal Pride
by Rachelle Reese
Proudly you parade your newborn child
past the grave of the man who raised your mother from a calf.
You never knew him, having entered the world nearly
one year after he was buried in the field he cleared by hand.
But somehow you seem to know that your firstborn calf is strong because of him,
so you turn your head toward his rocky mound and give him thanks.

Ode to the Daffodil Planter

Ode to the Daffodil Planter
by Rachelle Reese

Nearly a century has passed
since you kneeled in the mud,
skirt draped loosely across your ankles
to plant six daffodil bulbs,
bought dearly with the blackberry preserves
you sealed on an outdoor fire.
Could you have known the joy
those sunny flowers would inspire
in two accidental passersby?