
There’s something about geraniums, especially red geraniums. I like the way they contrast with the hosta along the side of the shed. This year I purchased a large hanging plant of red geraniums and white lobelia for the corner of the patio. They are flourishing and I look forward to their cheery greeting every morning as I step out to feed the birds.

As a child, my sister and I helped my mother decorate the family cemetery plot every year on memorial day. Along with petunias and marigolds, there were always red geraniums. My sister and I continued the tradition of decorating the graves for many years after my mother died. That memory inspired this poem that was part of my April poetry project “Flowers A-Z.”
Red Geraniums
The flower boxes are ready—
marigolds, alyssum
and always
always
red geraniums.
They’ll travel to the cemetery,
decorate graves
of loved ones
long gone—
and always
always
I’ll remember
how much she loved
red geraniums.
Draft, 2022Rose Cappelli
Jan has the roundup today at Bookseed Studio. Be sure to stop by to learn about sijo poetry.
The repetition of always is effective. Your love lives on in the red geraniums.
LikeLiked by 1 person
In contrast, iris and peonies are the flowers I associate with decorating graves! No matter what we choose, we leave love there for the ones who’ve gone before us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This brief poem with its four “always”–the definition of devotion!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Rose, I love this–especially the repetition.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a beautiful poem – love the repetition and the idea of remembering both the flowers and the people they are brought for.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your beautiful poem reminds me of something I’ve written in the past about my mother and pansies. Isn’t it wonderful how flowers can link us to our memories of times shared with loved ones? Thank you for sharing this with us this week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for taking us there Rose, with those red geraniums, I like all the “always” in there too!
LikeLiked by 1 person