A fable
Visitors came from a distant land
with news of war and disease
I gave them flowers from my garden
but couldn't listen to their words
I have problems of my own I said
as I showed them the door
I turned back to tend the flowers
in my high walled garden
Flowers, belatedly, for Totally Optional Prompts
who doesn't feel like this at times--being in the garden does bring peace---now there's an idea
ReplyDeleteYeah, I hate wars too, love secret gardens though..
ReplyDeleteI like this very much. Short and sweet. I could see it as a "protest song" too.
ReplyDeleteAlas, once introduced, will solace be found again, or will he/she be plagued with thoughts of those things, wondering? A wonderful contemplation piece.
ReplyDeleteVery thought-provoking.
ReplyDeletei love this although i can't quite point out why... so much to think about
ReplyDeleteSometimes there are some who just want to share misery. It is but justice to turn them away. Well made.
ReplyDeleteMmm, troubling, two-edged. Good.
ReplyDeleteI owe you for putting me onto TOP, for helping lead me to ghazals( I've had two accepted at the Ghazal Page for the Moon radif challenge), for 'Unleashing the Poem...' which I'm a bit eqivocal about but am still getting much out of... so many thanks!
What makes this powerful is that the garden to which you retreat is attractive in itself, associated with growth,etc.
ReplyDeleteWell I have done this a couple of times, or more ... looking back I wish I hadn't.
ReplyDeleteWonderful that you call this a fable -- that it has something to teach us. It inspires the question: does one's garden have a wall or does it open up to the world?
ReplyDeleteI'd pick the flowers over the war any day of the week.
ReplyDeleteA joy to read.
-Nicole
The garden - a place of sanctity and a gathering of knowledge. To be able to live and let live takes courage...and a good deal of insight.
ReplyDeleteHow appropriate the title. One of my favorite pieces of yours Juliet.
Lovely poem. You expressed just what you wanted. I too turn away sometimes and walk in my high walled garden. It can be a safe haven from all the worlds sorrows.
ReplyDeletelove-bd
You have captured the spirit of sanctuary of a garden! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteStirs up many thoughts of the futility of war. In a well maintained garden, we find only harmony.
ReplyDeletesticking one's head in the garden,
ReplyDeleteeh? or let my flowers speak for me.
Ah, the depth here is stupendous - absolutely. Great work!
ReplyDeleteCGP... this is a bealutiful timeless fable... i do agree, gardens are the sanctuary for peace..
ReplyDelete