Covid Time

Time runs slowly now

Measured by the corn's tassel

The sunflower's first bloom 

And our breath's thankful measure

In, out, in, out, and again . . .

A Sunday Tanka

Bright colored blossoms --

Summer's fragile, fragrant vow --

So soon forgotten --

While in the greenwood's solemn

         Depths, the grave, grey stones endure.

 Vives floraisons
Evanescent voeu d'été (ou) Serment d'été parfumé
Si vite oublié
Dans les vertes profondeurs
Perdurent les tombes grises

This French version is courtesy of Miss Yves -- she and I have this little game of translating one another's poetry -- 

Garden Promises

Hidden by the stone,
A daffodil scout looks round...
Tries the winter sun.
Emboldened, a waiting troop
Of green-speared warriors springs forth.

~~~

Melting ice reveals
Tight rosettes of glaucous green...
Sedum bides its time
But a careless rose unfurls
Bronze leaves in January.