Poetry Thursday -- RED

I am so, so, so taken with the new Poetry Thursday site. The columnists have begun to show up, with words of wisdom, words of inspiration, words, words, words. I didn't think PT could get much more invigorating, and here it is, with daily doses of life. Exciting. Happy-making! Go check it out, not just on Thursdays, but as often as you think of it. You'll probably find something new there! Or, rather HERE

This week's (completely and totally optional) prompt was to go find what's red in the natural world. I've taken a slight liberty with the prompt, but am pleased to find that something current in my life fits for me. Here's my take on RED.


Natural Red

(for Nicola)

My niece has fire in her hair.
When she turns her head,
sparks light the dull March day.

I show her my home.
Her first visit, we drive
out into the hills.

She wants to see wild, and we find
mountain, rock, dead heather, and
red rust streaking through the hills

Trees that hold what’s dead,
hold it, as though there is heat
in that flame, as though the blanket

of last year’s spent needles, tawny
old-blood red will bring life again.
I’m sorry the day is so cold.

"Wrong time of year", I say,
she shakes her head No.
"I prefer red to green any day".
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Find more Red things HERE