The dark of black-eyed susans

meets the poet’s eye

perhaps the inspiration for a new verse

as she wanders through flourishing gardens

as did others who came before,

exchanging glances with deer

on the periphery, their elegance that of the magical wood.

Bees advance upon cornflowers

and the eruption of color, dahlia in bloom,

a reminder of resilience and the need

to compose one more poem.

As she moves towards the bullfrog’s bellow,

the koi’s rapid but graceful splashes

through a shimmering pool,

there comes the decision to quiet oneself

and to sit with nature,

allowing creation to occur.