IMAGINARY GARDEN
asks us to emulate Omar Khayyam, writing a piece rhyming
aaba bbcb ccdc
LA NINA*
(Written about a land of 'drought and flooding rains')
And, lo, the rains have fallen on the earth!
Those rains which give our soil a second birth
The swords of grass are pointing to the skies.
The birds sing as though carolling with mirth.
We view the green around us with surprise!
The dams are full, the rivers, daily, rise.
Blossoms, once seeming drab, with colour blaze.
The dazzle of it all assails our eyes.
Cicadas sing a song of joyful praise.
And daisies in the grass delight our gaze.
La Nina is a visitor of worth.
Hail, Little Girl, with all your watery ways!
*
*Australia spent much of the last ten years being ruled by El Nino, a weather pattern which causes drought. Now we are in a La Nina cycle and the rain, although it can be a nuisance at times, is gratefully received. 'La Nina' is 'the little boy', a reference to the Christchild at Christmas time. 'La Nina' is 'the little girl.'
*
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A Simple Alphabet
ROMANTIC RABBIT
There once was an amorous rabbit
Who had an unfortunate habit.
He'd give one quick glance,
Do an impromptu dance,
Say 'Thanks for the chance' and just grab it!
*
5 comments:
Oh yes, the elevated tone suits your theme so well. I wish La Nina would send some rain to the tip of Africa..we are still suffering the Winter drought.
So glad you enjoyed the Rubaiyat! My copy is dated 1921, and is much treasured.
Anything with the word "lo" in it, I'm all lo ver it!
Beautifully written, this Rubaiyat. Love the spring theme - we're well into fall here but today's rain is soft and warm.
You have out- Kyam-ed Omar here! Very nicely done with consistent tone and impressive structure!
As a fellow Aussie, I know just what you mean! Good poem.
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