Summer's Rain

The dusty, cracked earth cried out
for mercy from the blazing sun.
The cicadas song rose repeatedly,
a prayer for relief from the endless, arid days.
The garden flowers bowed low in the withering grass
Grateful for a drink from the hand of man.   
Suddenly, a soft breeze stirred.
Dark, moisture laden clouds gathered
And soft rain fell from heaven
Preparing the thirsty ground for more.
It drenched the leaves of the forest and the mist rose.
It washed away the white hot heat
And bathed the world in joy.

Donna Black

A Teacher's Tribute

Knowledge is Power by Norman Rockwell

One said he was lazy.
One said he was rude.
But, you came along saying,
"Things can improve."

"All of my students
are possibly A's.
Let's try a bit more
consistency, please."

How sweet and refreshing
to believe that you can
be all that's expected
in the eye of a man.

A spirit of hope
ignites in your heart.
And, you charge forth with courage
to live up to the part.

An immediate change
emerged in the birth
of value, confidence,
strength, and self worth.

Donna Black

Spring Muse

One day Spring said, “Come forth and make the world a beautiful place,”
And, I heard her call and thought,
I will plant a garden of lilies whose fragrance will pleasure my love when he treads among them.
The melting snow gave them life and they sprang up from the dark mellow earth
And the roots spread far and wide to gather its bounty.
The leaves unfurled and clasped the dew drops;
Then, reached for the warmth of the sun dazzling in the firmament.
Soon plump buds appeared.
From deep within,
The hearts of the lilies opened and filled the garden with perfume;
Whereupon, my love drew near and embraced them with a smile.

Donna Black

Goldfish

A glint of gold beneath lily pad reflections,

She gracefully glides.

Investigating my tiny disturbance of the surface

In expectation, she hesitates;

Then, momentarily slips away

Into shimmering shadows of protection.

With waving finage riding

The liquid depths of long languid laps,

She nonchalantly browses the greens,

Returning repeatedly mid sunlight and shade,

Cautiously seeking the prize.

Donna Black