[Critique Group 2] 303-word poem for June 27

[Alice Massa]

*The Gift of Summer?*

by Alice Jane-Marie Massa

Oh, Summer, sweet Summer--

at last, you are here!

I have waited one long Wisconsin winter

for your short visit--

each day of you like a vacation

to be relished and revered.

(Second Stanza)

Through your lush, warm days,

I need not bedeck myself in

polar bear coats, doubled hats,

scarves, gloves, and fake-fur-lined boots

each time my guide dog and I venture outside.

Thank you!Thank you!

(Third Stanza)

Through the tender days of Summer,

I need not shovel my Snow Garden:

I shovel soil

into my flower and herb garden

which soothes my soul

all summer long.

(Fourth Stanza)

Okay, okay, the soil is

a concoction

from a plastic bag;

and the containers are plastic,

painted to look like clay pots.

You see, I live in the heart of

a sidewalk city.

My precious garden may not be

organic;

but daily,

during this season of growth,

I am energized and enriched

by my pink and white geraniums,

Gerbera daisies, lavender,

rosemary, mint, and basil.

I have no purple sage yet this summer;

nevertheless, in my summer garden,

I feel wise and wonderful.

(Fifth Stanza)

On these beautifully bright days

or caressing velvet nights of Summer,

walks with Willow,

my fourth Leader Dog,

wipe away frozen thoughts

of salt-covered sidewalks and streets,

snow stacked at curbs, and surprising ice.

(I do prefer my ice

in other forms,

such as iced tea and ice cream.)

Carefree, Willow and I walk

as if we are at a state park

and enjoy the melodious sounds of songbirds,

occasional whiffs

of lavish lilacs and other fragrant flowers.

(Sixth Stanza)

Oh, Mother Nature,

you could take this season

of Summer--

this superb gift--

and tie it with a bow.

Oh, NO!No, you can't!

Someone from the city--

please blame the mayor--

tied up the season

not with a bow,

but with

CONSTRUCTION!

word count:303

(Please note the question mark at the end of the title of this poem; 
also, the final word of the poem is in all caps.)

June 19, 2017, Monday

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