Thanks, Ash, for the poem; it really resonated with me regarding the idea of our moments of failure serving as defining moments. It takes courage to look at such a moment in its own right—to see how internal guilt can transform into a springboard for learning. Nature is full of deceptions: the ladybug—beneficial to plants because it eats pests—is not the same beetle that harms lilies. It is a wonderful poem about discernment, perception, and innocence—mirroring life itself: when do we truly notice something as it happens, rather than in hindsight? If we miss it, that event moves into a room within us, waiting to become a defining moment. That is precisely what happens in the poem; the very act of writing it shows that it has indeed become a wonderful defining moment.
What a haunting last line 🤎
Ash, your poetry is so powerful. And I agree; that last line is so exquisitely haunting.
Those lillies are so forgiving, they'll let you try again! You've said it so beautifully and honestly for the many of us.
Thanks, Ash, for the poem; it really resonated with me regarding the idea of our moments of failure serving as defining moments. It takes courage to look at such a moment in its own right—to see how internal guilt can transform into a springboard for learning. Nature is full of deceptions: the ladybug—beneficial to plants because it eats pests—is not the same beetle that harms lilies. It is a wonderful poem about discernment, perception, and innocence—mirroring life itself: when do we truly notice something as it happens, rather than in hindsight? If we miss it, that event moves into a room within us, waiting to become a defining moment. That is precisely what happens in the poem; the very act of writing it shows that it has indeed become a wonderful defining moment.
Ash, this is a powerful image. "tossed them in a the compost" I wonder what I need to toss there in my own life to save something beautiful.
I feel you!
Earlier this week I posted a poem to vent my own first-time flower garden frustrations!!
A good piece, Ash!