“After last night’s storm the tulip petals are strewn across the patio where they mortally fluttered.”– from Church, a poem by Jim Harrison
She lost her best friend…
husband and loyal confidant,
devoted father, avid fisherman;
a man for his time and beyond
who served country, church
and community well. He bloomed.
Did he enjoy flowers? He receives
them now with thin-petaled eyes
closed, smile line of lips stilled,
silent as the cancer that spread.
Like delicate flowers, we too are
seeded, planted, nurtured, watered,
weeded, sometimes uprooted, and
lovingly tended to our fragile end…
when God plucks and gathers us
into his eternally beautiful bouquet.
Thanks to Linda Lee Lyberg for dVerse poets prompt to write inspired by line from Jim Harrison’s poetry. Written in memory of Norm De Boom…for Sherry.
a poem in my pocket 
Jan 27, 2022 @ 11:05:26
Your poem is beyond beautiful … already in this new year, my extended family has forever lost two beautiful, brave, beloved women. Thank you for gifting this poem ….
Jan 27, 2022 @ 12:05:54
I’m glad it spoke to you, Helen! You have my sincere sympathy…may God bring comfort and peace.
Jan 26, 2022 @ 15:08:12
” thin-petaled eyes,” is such a poignant, powerful description! Stellar writing here, Lynn 💝💝
Jan 26, 2022 @ 15:13:57
I appreciate your generous words, Sanaa!
Jan 26, 2022 @ 12:41:23
“thin-petaled eyes” so well described and a great homage to the quote.. This is one of your best poem ever.
Jan 26, 2022 @ 15:03:04
I appreciate your saying so, Bjorn!