It’s Poetry Friday! Margaret has the roundup today at Reflections on the Teche where she shares thought-provoking poems she created by responding to the inspiration of others. Be sure to stop by to soak up her inspiring thoughts and for lots more poetry goodness.
Last weekend the northeast was walloped by a nor’eastern storm. There was a lot of damage, especially along the coast. More inland, we had a few days of wind and rain. The sun is still reluctant to make an appearance. I was sad to say an early goodbye to the zinnias who never fail to brighten my mood.
An Early Goodbye
All summer, zinnias
blossomed a rainbow garden
for butterflies, bees—
and me!
I expected their cheery blooms
to last ‘til fall’s first frost,
but that was not meant to be.
Wind and rain
proved way too much, too all-at-once.
Stems withered, blooms wilted…
until only a few remained.
This morning, zinnias
blossomed on the table,
steadfast in joy and remembrance.
Draft, RoseCappelli2026
Thanks for reading!
grateful for the time we have with them 😉
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Rose, I am sorry that your lovely zinnias did not have a chance to welcome October. I am happy that “some blossomed on the table,/steadfast in joy and remembrance”. I am also glad that your area was not affected as much as other parts of the northeast.
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Rose, if those zinnias could read I know they would love this poem. xo
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How sweet, Irene!
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You collected a nice vase full to say goodbye. This was the first year I planted zinnias, seeds gifted to me. They went wild, but the heat has gotten them now. A lovely poem to show your gratitude.
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I adore zinnias and your poem as well! I traveled so much this summer that I opted not to plant anything. I’m looking forward to having a full festival of zinnias next year!
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One of my favorites!
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My zinnias were done in by rogue weather, too, but ours was the summer-long constant torrential rains. The poor plants wore flood levels 4″ up their stems, but they struggled gamely on, providing for the bees and butterflies and finally the goldfinches. I pulled them up last weekend and planted rain garden plants in that low spot, but you can be sure there will be zinnias SOMEWHERE in my garden next summer!
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They are known for their endurance, but I guess even zinnias can take only so much rain.
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What a sweet poem and huge storm. A tree came down on our fence. The wind was terrible! I am happy your zinnias can brighten your day from inside, and I love how these small moments in our life can blossom into lovely poems.
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Poor Zinnias! Glad you were able to rescue a few blooms to enjoy indoors. They definitely deserve a poem of their own — so lovely!!
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You honored them to the end this season, Rose! I was surprised we had so many volunteers from last year. The butterflies loved them. There are a couple of stragglers out there hanging on, but they’re pretty done – recent heat was not their friend.
I’ve seen a hummingbird or two in the last week and wonder when they’ll be making their journeys.
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Haven’t seen a hummingbird in a while. But I didn’t have an abundance this year.
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What a tributre to the end of summer. Zinnias are such bright, cheerful flowers.
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Your last vase-full of zinnias makes me remember mine, a newish bed in front of my MD house–they were very late to come this year, not sure why, and I feel like I hardly got to enjoy them. Thanks for sharing yours!
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