a poem in my pocket

Invited into lovely white farmhouse one September morning, we gather around dining room table set with china, candles, fresh flowers. Vintage prints frame one wall; shelves of antique clocks tick in corner. It’s coffee/tea time, whichever you prefer, complemented by dainty pastries, breads, and berries passed around full circle of women.

Miguela, our gregarious hostess, immigrated years ago as new bride from the Philippines. “Jellie’s” friend secretly submitted her profile to newspaper “dating” column…lonely Iowa farmer responded. Within year of written correspondence and phone calls, she was charmed and they were married. A long distance romance blossomed… eventually seeding two children.

After tea, we admire Jellie’s flowers which surround the house with blooms all summer long. She apologizes the gardens are past prime but plenty of flowers still beckon us. Hydrangeas, zinnias, roses, and exotic Asian plants attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

* * * * *

seven hummingbirds

with green caps and ruby throats

flit among feeders

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Later, we spill out of two cars with smiles and laughter into warm autumn afternoon. Clutch of classy lassies has enjoyed monthly outings for twenty-five years; in fact, our charter member planned today’s field trip. Our fun fashion of red hats and purple t-shirts glitter with glam in the autumn sunshine.

Mary, experienced tour guide with a teacher’s heart, shows us around Lakeside Laboratory campus on West Lake Okoboji. The outdoor lab, founded in 1909 covers one hundred forty-seven acres of woods, prairie, wetlands, and shoreline. Dr. Thomas Macbride, University of Iowa, established lab for “the study of nature in nature.”

We hike hilly circuit of beautiful old stone buildings constructed during depression era by Civilian Conservation Corps. Summer students have finished research projects, leaving behind hip boots, fish nets, test tubes and empty hallways. Acorns from ubiquitous oak trees drop and roll off roofs and onto walking paths.

* * * * *

hundred year old oak

rooted strong, gnarly, ancient

acorn in pocket

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Haibuns served at dVerse Poets pub with Mish hosting!