…languorous and ephemeral

So perfectly
is imperfection placed
in all pervading harmony
carpets of wildflowers
and purpled paths
petals of white
and dainty red blossoms
rafts upon the oceans of sky

the colours of the day
gently flooding in
fragrance floats
from sleepy blossoms
a soft melody
drifts in with the dawn
the sweet songs of morning
usher away the dark
and the ebbing tides of night
are gently lost in the sighing

sparkling dew on every lip
pearl after pearl
upon a single thread
softer than moonlit snow
ivory petals
tipped with rose
shaken
by the slightest breeze
letting slip entrusting flowers
to the wild wind

so sweet the petals fall
languorous and ephemeral
in their un-budded glory
marked with tears
for they know
they will never open
and the air softly stirs
with the breeze of transience

blown off course
too light to settle
swept away
in drifts of gentle breezes
showers of shooting stars
delight cascading
in seconds of inspiration
only to be lost
upon the petal laid path
© Ann Bagnall
2015 (updated 2025)