Marigold Flowers Glow in the Ferny Green

Summary

The web content is a reflective poem titled "Marigold Flowers Glow in the Ferny Green," which won third place in The Lark's poetry competition and reminisces about the author's lifelong connection to gardening and marigolds, symbolizing continuity and memory.

Abstract

"Marigold Flowers Glow in the Ferny Green" is a nostalgic poem that captures the essence of gardening through the eyes of someone who has tended to marigolds for over fifty years. The author recalls starting to garden at a young age, planting marigold seeds and marveling at the bright orange blooms that have since faded in color but remain vivid in memory. The poem touches on the cultural significance of marigolds, particularly within the context of the author's family, where gardening was a vital part of life. It also addresses the gendered aspect of gardening, questioning why it was traditionally seen as a women's domain. The marigolds, with their enduring scent and vibrant colors, serve as a metaphor for the passage of time and the enduring power of memories. The poem is a response to Denise Larkin and The Lark's poetry competition, with a call to readers to participate by following the provided link to the competition rules.

Opinions

The author has a deep personal connection to gardening and marigolds, which is evident through the nostalgic tone of the poem.
There is a sense of pride and continuity in carrying on the tradition of planting marigolds, as passed down from previous generations.
The poem subtly critiques the traditional view that gardening is primarily a woman's responsibility, especially in the context of ensuring successful crops.
The vivid imagery of the marigolds' colors and the garden setting suggests that the author finds beauty in the simplicity of nature and the act of gardening.
The poem conveys a love for gardening that has been passed down through the family, particularly from the author's grandmother, and has "rubbed off" on the author.
The author seems to dismiss skeptics who might belittle the significance of the marigold flowers, affirming their own appreciation for the tradition and the flowers' beauty.

The Lark’s poetry competition — third place winner

Photo by William J Spirdione

I started gardening when I was young while holding handfuls of these precious seeds. These little half white half black sticks far-flung all over garden loam just scratched of weeds. Remember picking flowers dried among bright orange blooms still bright. Our seed proceeds bunched in their rustling ruffled dry tan skirt. I put some in the pocket of my shirt.

Photo by William J Spirdione

Tagetes’ simple orange daisies glow. Bright orange petals range from dark to light. With some more yellow on the spectrum though. These marigolds’ bright colors out of sight. My hands have aged these fifty years or so since those first seeds though memories are bright. Red fades to yellow petals. Green turns black. Their fresh scent never fails to bring me back.

Photo by William J Spirdione

Outside great grandpa’s garden proper’s fence. It’s black and white. We plant these simple seeds. Grandma was told old country ways back whence though questions why it’s only women’s needs that cause crop failure now and this point hence when gardening was sometimes all that feeds. These orange flowers stuck. Though some will scoff. A simple love of gardening rubbed off.

Photo by William J Spirdione

Poem was written in response to Denise Larkin and The Lark’s poetry competition. The contest ends soon. Please read the rules in the link below.

OTTAVA RIMA

Marigold Flowers Glow in the Ferny Green

The Lark’s poetry competition — third place winner

Poetry Competition at The Lark Publication

The Lark is hosting a poetry competition for the best poem