SATURDAY AT THE ARBORETUM


Japanese Moon Garden Pond


Garden Trellis

I am going to end the year with a special poem by one of my all time favorite poets, Taylor Graham. Thank you so much for this special poem Taylor. I absolutely adore this verse and though none of my garden photos could do it justice, I chose a couple of my favorite photos to accompany Taylor's poem. These photos, as always, were taken at the Botanical Gardens in San Francisco. Thank you and Happy New Year to all of you!


SATURDAY AT THE ARBORETUM

Wrought iron gates opened like a fairytale
beckoning up a drive that curved under boughs
to the gingerbread Victorian. We imagined
girls of bygone days in satin frocks,
sitting straight-ankled at tea.

But it was the garden
that drew us, along walks scented
with jasmine, greenly overhung with fronds.
Goslings swam in waters
Arcadia blue. We’d whisper young

secrets as we followed winding paths
to the grotto. Who lived there? A dragon,
or an anchorite? a wizard or the Queen of Sheba?
Myth remains, illusive as childhood.
A grotto guards its secrets.

Comments

Beautiful garden scenery and a wonderful poem!

Happy New Year, Jo!
Hobby Exchange said…
thanks for coming. i like your site friend. bye
Margie and Edna said…
Margie: That reminds me of a song I used to sing- Don't Sit In The Arbor With Anyone Else But Me. I think that was it.
Have a Happy New Year and try to keep your clothes on. The Margiedales are wearing just champagne glasses tonight.
betchai said…
the first picture is very peaceful Jo, so inspiring, and the second one speaks warmth, both are beautiful and brings images to the beautiful poem.
Unknown said…
Love Japanese Gardens. Wonderful photos. Happy New Year! :-)
Joanne Olivieri said…
Icy, thanks and happy new year to you.

Hobby, you are welcome and I like yours as well.

Margie, the song - way before my time :D The clothes, already off and wearing champagne glasses? Drink up!!!!!

betchai, Thank you my friend.

Accessory Lady, I do too and thanks so much. Happy New Year to you and yours.
rainfield61 said…
The photos just bring me back from the countdown yesterday night.

Happy new year and Bon Voyage.
RNSANE said…
Taylor's poetry is beautiful. I love the scent of jasmine...it was always so wonderful in the South, especially the night blooming variety, which smelled so wonderful since, when I was growing up, that was the only time, in summers, that it was cool enough to open windows.

Wish we were at Enrico's tonight, Jo, listening to Sony's sexy voice, ringing in the New Year!
Ann said…
I truly enjoy your photos especially right now with the cold wind blowing and the blanket of snow on the ground. Lovely poem also.
Wishing you a very happy and prosperous New Year.
Joanne Olivieri said…
Thank you Rainfield and Happy New Year to you too.

Carmen, She is a stellar poet. I wish we had been at Enrico's as well. I miss NYE with Sony there.

Thank you Ann and a happy new year to you as well.
Rick (Ratty) said…
I understand why you like this poem so well. It seems like something from a good dream. I'm not sure any picture could do any better than the images it gives me, but your two do as good as any would.

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