A poem written January 8, 2009

Carriage II

by this Elizabeth

An embassy conveyance, closed

sealed with arms, fine leather cushions

my past rushes up, so it goes

tidal waves of desperation

The cool seats remember the books

in his study - and his red marks

blooming on my back, his dark looks

and tonight, love, fire and sparks

My friend's worried eyes, whispering

as I explain amid all this

unexpected and blossoming

unlooked for - dreams, a simple kiss

Unlike this protection, the guard,

eyes trained on the window - watching

for assassins; it is so hard

the blood on my hands, the knowing

Red ribbons hanging from my wrists

and just like this, trust bound in lust

all to blame on a goodbye kiss

and a carriage kept waiting - tossed.

A poem written September 18, 2004

Garden Lament

by this Elizabeth

Oh, my garden
you are full of weeds
on my list of priorities
you are number 33

Your roses have aphids
raspberry shoots abound
the new iris will be lucky
not to be mowed down

Oh, my garden
in the eye of my dreams
blooming with fall flowers
not these weedy reams

A poem drafted December 23, 2008

Carriage I
by this Elizabeth

A black victorian, open
red carpet kisses the entry
silver ribbons and bells adorn
midnight stallions and our intrigue

For me, he has braided his locks
long onyx lit with sunset's gleam
his calloused hand offers me up
into this fantasy I dreamed

Sable furs on red velvet seats
our audience, society
and I so touched I nearly weep
he dangles opportunity

I immigrated on less hope
self-exiled and all alone
and by the time we cross the moat
I am no longer on my own

We are peers; perhaps even more
our laughter and sharp words warm us
he holds hopes and the carriage door
and I would settle for just this lust

A poem written December 20, 2004

Charity Motors

by this Elizabeth

You served us well, our Cougar
although you could have driven smoother
but now your tire stays flat
and we miss your hubcap
and the door handle misplaced
will never be replaced
at least, not by us
just too much fuss
since your engine won't turn over
we consign you to Charity Motors

A poem written August 17, 2006

Hands of God
by this Elizabeth

Gears and Switches,
clinking against each other,
in a measured expression
of an abstract concept.

You can keep your gods and demons,
I have my own;
these gears and switches.

I admire Elizabeth Lawrence

She was a gardener, like me. 1932 she became the first woman to receive a degree in landscape design from NC State University.  She was also a writer.  Just take a look at Through the Garden Gate, indexed by month.

"This is the gate of my garden. I invite you to enter in: not only into my garden, but into the world of gardens - a world as old as the history of man, and as new as the latest contribution of science; a world of mystery, adventure, and romance; a world of poetry and philosophy; a world of beauty; and a world of work."

A Haiku written July 17, 2006

Haiku IV
by this Elizabeth

Hurry up and wait
the dreaded Monday report
I linger and sigh

I admire Elizabeth Sewell

I consider her a sort of teacher and mentor, though we have never met.

"This way of learning involves living; living poet and living people: live and learn."

A poem written July 17, 2006

At the Keep
by this Elizabeth

She juggles flame
while we swordfight
and the children
paint eggs.

The men duel
off to the sides
discussing strategy
with their students.

The sun sets
and after the storm;
the children
crack the shells.

We tell half-truths
to a naturalist
and take advice
and eat too well.

Soon we move
like fireflies
glowing pink
purple blue

And finally
the fire burns
hot and long
and then we dream.