Blue Hydrangeas
by Richard Sime
I’m not the guy you’d want to live with.
Take small talk—I’m no good, and when
you told me your hydrangeas bloomed
(puffs of powder blue outside the door)
I could barely nod, much less smile.
Take smiles—they seem so natural,
even my dog smiles, but me, I need
reminding that it’s time to get
those muscles working right. As for work—
I want things done, but when I’m pushed
I get exhausted before I try.
Although, I did try. Lord, didn’t I?
I’d like some grace: Take things in stride.
Like entering a room and if, say,
Take small talk—I’m no good, and when
you told me your hydrangeas bloomed
(puffs of powder blue outside the door)
I could barely nod, much less smile.
Take smiles—they seem so natural,
even my dog smiles, but me, I need
reminding that it’s time to get
those muscles working right. As for work—
I want things done, but when I’m pushed
I get exhausted before I try.
Although, I did try. Lord, didn’t I?
I’d like some grace: Take things in stride.
Like entering a room and if, say,
my shirt comes loose (the turquoise one
that reminds you of my eyes), I want
to slip it back beneath my belt with a wink
that says I can’t seem to keep myself together
and you’d know I was lying. In fact, I’d speak
all lies, beneath each one a truth you’d
recognize. My frown, a smile. The tilt
of my head, what words could never say.
Like those hydrangeas. Without you, no
blooms this year. And they’re hardly missed.
that reminds you of my eyes), I want
to slip it back beneath my belt with a wink
that says I can’t seem to keep myself together
and you’d know I was lying. In fact, I’d speak
all lies, beneath each one a truth you’d
recognize. My frown, a smile. The tilt
of my head, what words could never say.
Like those hydrangeas. Without you, no
blooms this year. And they’re hardly missed.
I love blue hydrangeas! We had a neighbor once who’s whole front was blue Hydrangeas.. so pretty!
ReplyDeleteHi Rian, thanks, apparently there is a public garden in Atlanta that has a lot of hydrangeas.
DeleteWhat an intriguing poem. And a reminder that we very rarely know what is beneath the appearances...
ReplyDeleteHi Sue, thanks, yes everyone has their hidden self.
DeleteI love this poem...I've not been familiar with it before now. Thanks for introducing me to it, Linda. :)
ReplyDeleteI love hydrangeas, too. Take good care. :)
Hi Lee, thanks, I just knew there had to be a poem about hydrangeas and low and behold I found it on a search.
DeleteEnjoyed the poem and that beautiful photo. Thanks Linda :)
ReplyDeleteHi Denise, thanks, this hydrangea was here when we moved in and we have cut the lower branches of the tree above it to encourage it to grow more, this year it has rewarded us with more blooms.
DeleteI love that shade of pale blue.
ReplyDeleteHi Gigi, thanks, yes that is the best blue to me as well. I have never liked dark or royal blue.
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