Welcome to David Selzer
David Selzer is a writer of poetry, prose fiction, screenplays and stage plays. He embraces digital platforms to share his work of more than fifty years… READ MORE
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THE RECLINING GARDENER
On the first spring day of prolonged clear sunshine
she mows the lawns, weeds the paths, hoes the borders,
counts the figs, admires the honesty,
tends the low lavender hedge – then relaxes
on a lounger in front of the gazebo,
framed by clematis and magnolia blooms.
She sleeps, safe in the garden’s ivy clad
chambers – the alfresco rooms she has made
from soil ravaged by lime and gravel.
If she lies too long she will catch the sun –
a curious, promethean turn of phrase
yet right for a gardener who has acquired
from the air itself wild strawberries,
welsh poppies, common columbine, even
honesty. Perhaps I should not let her sleep –
but waking her seems always an intrusion
into the private solitude of dreams.
We have been in love for more than fifty years –
doppelgänger, alter ego; boxing hare,
comedy partner; devil’s advocate,
critical friend; anxiety’s balm, pearl
irritant; good companion, turtle dove.
She stirs – wakened, no doubt, by that slow passion
of plants – before I can rouse her with a kiss,
like any common or garden prince or frog.
10 responses to “THE RECLINING GARDENER”
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Absolutely beautiful.
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What a beautiful love song to Topsy that is, David.
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Excellent – somehow understated and yet rich with detail at the same time. Many congratulations to you both.
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What a beautiful way of expressing your love for the reclining gardener. Cx
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How beautiful. X
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This is one of the best love poems I’ve ever read.
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You paint a beautiful picture with your palette of words.
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[…] Please visit David Selzer’s website. I’ve been following it for several years and have always been delighted by the range and depth of subjects taken on, and by the high quality of his writing. This is one of the poems I’ve most enjoyed: The Reclining Gardener. […]
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Lovely and touching present to a loved one.
I was lead back to this poem while exploring Mary Clark’s website. -
[…] THE RECLINING GARDENER “The Reclining Gardener” by David Selzer […]
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