Summer Solstice

Author Bob Johnson

Summer Solstice

Bob Johnson

Dressed in her wedding gown,
wearing a veil of mist, blossoms of virginal colors, 
interwoven, braided into heavenly locks, 
so lovingly brushed. 

For several weeks in her pristine glory, easterly 
winds make no suggestion of dislodging even a wisp,
she is blissful without a care in the world.  

Then before Beltane fires have been smothered—the land 
is demolished—spat on by man's inhumanity raining drones 
and bullets like hailstorms ridding evidence of existence. 

The bride’s dress torn apart, leaving her naked, left to mourn 
for what could have been . . . each innocent life lost, their names 
etched in salty tears, each plant and species washed away.

Litha then comes to celebrate, for what? A broken heart? 
Scorched earth? This widowed bride is losing faith, yet gradually
throughout the darkness, in soldier's footprints, there 
begins proof of resurgence. 

White campions find cracks in the concrete cities, bright buds, 
dandelions, and sunflowers bring renewal to toxic areas. 

Then, as new life finds sustenance in nature's hidden lakes—
Brigid’s satin flowers begin redressing the bride. 

She is bruised but still alive, still breathing, scarred 
but no longer naked, life returning, blooming 
in wild defiance.   

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Poems & Paraboles publishes work that illuminates, awakens, or opens a small window toward wonder. Some pieces are quiet. Some are bold. Some carry a moral thread, while others wander into the mysterious and ethereal.

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