Hey, y’all, sorry I have not posted for a couple of days. Lex presided at a wedding – lovely couple, loving family, lively friends. I was involved as a “second pair of hands” with things like, “WHERE ARE THE BOBBY PINS!!??” and offering to run to the drug store for that, some Advil… you know the drill. Rewarded with a beer on the Bridal Bus while the couple were taking pictures. Adventure for those two just beginning. (CUE THE CARPENTERS)
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, a hymn to back yards everywhere.
BACK YARD EVENING
Step out our sliding back door
and step into a condo-life miracle.
A huge yard, formed by buildings
on every side, protected play space.
Little Graham next door draws
on the back stoop: smell the chalk.
(Oops! He also needs a change,
says my keen mommy’s nose.)
His Dad drills heavenly brats and
neighbor Diane drools, “I’ll take three.”
We sit in lawn chairs, share local
beers; a whiff of malt wafts on the breeze.
Freshly mown grass, green aroma
mingling with fading lilacs.
And now Jean’s baked muffins add
a gentle vanilla to the other scents.
One perfect June evening… with
our neighborhood potpourri.
© 2012 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
Image courtesy of Triple Oaks Nursery and Herb Garden of South Jersey. Check out their page – beautiful blooms abound!
For Poetic Bloomings, to the prompt, “In the air.” Also at my poetic playground, Poets United. This new neighborhood has brought back some wonderful memories, especially the yard… it’s patrolled by every stay-at-home parent and home-office resident. We have all planted gardens to our own taste, and it’s burgeoning blooms here in Madison! Peace, Amy
Sharp Little Pencil 
Polly Robinson
Ah, the potpourri of the neighbourhood – fantastic!
Sharp Little Pencil
As I write this, Lex and housemate Monica are outside, ranting about politics and watering our little garden. Diane, next door, takes over our watering when we go away. On the other side (we rent a condo), little Graham is probably peeing in the bushes again, but he’s only two, so who can blame him?! Thanks, Polly. A
kimnelsonwrites
Evoking all my senses, this poem willed me with a sense of well-being and community. Looking for the good and praising it is always a blessing to self. Thank you, Amy, for sharing this one.
http://www.kimnelsonwrites.com/2012/06/02/do-what-you-love/
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, Kim – it’s not often I write poetry that calms! Usually, it provokes, but that’s the nature of my “beast”! Thanks for the link, FOLKS, HINT, HINT!, I’ll be your way shortly. Peace, Amy
vivinfrance
I’m too busy for blogging, but the mention of The Carpenters on your post pulled me in. Don’t you just love that voice, and their ‘real’ songs.
I enjoyed your poem very much. I’m struggling at the workshop to “loosen up” “forget form and all those long words” to write exactly the kind of poem you have written here, that takes the reader right into the scene. I’m feeling thoroughly demoralized!
Sharp Little Pencil
Viv, I feel your pain. I’m not one for groups of anything – musicians, poets, whatever – that tends toward the academic. As with music, I write by ear, not by knowledge of polychords and such. Call me a reverse snob… but I applaud your making the effort. Congrats, my friend. Amy
El Guapo
Sounds like a perfect afternoon, with just enough activity to make it even better!
Sharp Little Pencil
You’ve caught it exactly, Guapo! Thanks, Amy
Renee Espriu
Sounds wonderful!
Sharp Little Pencil
It’s heaven on earth. Truly.
claudia
haha..nice…thanks for sharing your neighborhood potpourri with us…and definitely…i could smell it…smiles… love such evenings..
Sharp Little Pencil
When I realize the amazing sounds and aromas, as they say, “right in my own backyard,” the die was cast… were cast??? ha ha Amy
brian miller
it sounds like a lovely evening…minus the dirty diaper of course…smiles…wish i had a lawn chair to pull up and join you for one of those libations…
Sharp Little Pencil
You’re most welcome anytime you are in Madison, Brian! That goes for everyone, by the way… wink! Amy
Jae Rose
What a sense of home and belonging..the perfect place to be right in that moment..and a sensual feast..it was good to share it with you..i’ll take a beer too! Jae x
Sharp Little Pencil
There you go, Jae! I’d like nothing better than to be the straight Gertrude Stein of Madison, WI, with a backyard grill cooking up goodies for my salon of poets and writers from around the world! (Plus some Dusty on the CD player…) Love, A
kaykuala
What a wonderful life Amy! Great neighbors ,wonderful people all round. How not to sit and laze with the cool pint on that lazy chair without a care in the world. Not many can walk out or be in a backyard when they choose to be. Wonderful write, Amy!
Hank
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, Hank. Lex and I looked high and low for an affordable apartment that also afforded peace and relaxation, yet still had diversity and some kids, some dogs… we found it! C’mon over. A
Debbie
Amy, I felt like I was there with you and your neighbors! You seem to be blessed each time you move into a new spot . .intentionally drawing everyone close. Thank you for the lovely afternoon in the backyard!
Sharp Little Pencil
Debbie, considering that both Lex and I have community organizing backgrounds, I think it sort of comes naturally. We love living in community, and the diversity here is lovely, as well as the peace… Blessings, Amy
Madeleine Begun Kane
“Neighborhood potpourri,” indeed. Delightful!
Sharp Little Pencil
So glad you liked this one, Mad!
There once was a girl from Wisconsin…! Amy