Surprise Mendings

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The Poets and Storytellers United prompt to think of "a time you surprised yourself" had me writing a poem (below) about unexpected resilience. We're tougher than we know and, even if broken, possibilities exist. I also thought of a woman I call Flower who two years ago passed away. I still walk by her front yard garden on my way to the local park and envision her bent over, weeding, watering and nurturing the foliage and flowers. She prettied the area with her steady hand and eye for beauty, bringing joy that outlasted her. Here are a few of her blooms and some from other gardens, as well as beach scenes, where we humans, the most multifaceted of beings, love to roam.
   
Explore more at Poets and Storytellers United, SKYWATCH and Saturday's Critters. 

Comments

  1. Spare Parts and PicsJune 4, 2026 at 2:00 PM

    Wow, a gorgeous variety of blooms. Flower's flowers are put on a beautiful show!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yogi♪♪♪June 4, 2026 at 2:22 PM

    I love it when people do positive things that outlast them.

    ReplyDelete
  3. an artist reflectsJune 4, 2026 at 2:42 PM

    Beautiful florals, sailboat and delightful seahorse~ Hugs ^_^

    ReplyDelete
  4. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiJune 4, 2026 at 3:02 PM

    Beautiful images and poem, Penelope! The flowers were all exquisite.

    ReplyDelete
  5. TomJune 4, 2026 at 5:09 PM

    ...Maria, this flower child loves your garden. It's said that each blossom has a story to tell.

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  6. JimJune 4, 2026 at 10:08 PM

    Beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Shiju SugunanJune 4, 2026 at 10:47 PM

    Both the poem and the photographs celebrate the quiet ways beauty endures.

    ReplyDelete
  8. MarjaJune 5, 2026 at 1:39 AM

    beautiful photos as a quiet reminder of a woman who tended them. And yes when we look back we are stronger than we thought we would be, which you have poured into beautiful words. Love it

    ReplyDelete
  9. Jae RoseJune 5, 2026 at 2:30 AM

    A beautiful remembrance and a comforting feeling of the possibility of growth and re-growth and enduring - Jae

    ReplyDelete
  10. lissaJune 5, 2026 at 3:31 PM

    Beautiful flowers. We need more people like Flower. Wonderful poem.

    Have a lovely day.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Rosemary Nissen-WadeJune 5, 2026 at 6:36 PM

    Lovely poem, back story and photos. Thank you for brightening my day (again)!

    ReplyDelete
  12. J Cosmo NewberyJune 5, 2026 at 8:55 PM

    Beautifully hopeful. We need more of that.

    ReplyDelete
  13. kaykualaJune 6, 2026 at 7:16 AM

    Beautiful close Penelope! Love the pics! They sustained great memories.

    Hank

    ReplyDelete
  14. RommyJune 6, 2026 at 1:49 PM

    Oh my goodness. This might be my favorite of your pieces. I've lived through a few dark endings myself and it was hope that you described that kept me going.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hena TayebJune 8, 2026 at 1:17 PM

    Such lovely photos.

    ReplyDelete
  16. DeniseinVAJune 8, 2026 at 3:47 PM

    Flower certainly left a wonderful legacy didn't she? Beautiful images and beautiful poetry, for which I will always thank you for.

    ReplyDelete
  17. AlexandraJune 11, 2026 at 3:11 AM

    Your poem gave me goose bumps for all the right reasons! I love your photo of the sailboat getting ready to start a journey!

    ReplyDelete
  18. purplepeninportland.comJune 12, 2026 at 5:24 PM

    Such stunning flowers! I like your title; it fits perfectly.

    ReplyDelete

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