service

Beauty’s Second Duty

perfectly pretty
the petaled
mulch

tools
of tending and caring
await their service

cut
and come again
generosity of zinnia

home sweet home
the many duties
of the maple tree

in service
to the season
cliffside color clings

the sweet cheery faces
of happiness helpers
candy striped phlox

a freshly mown field
honors the old barn

long departed
still our freedom stands
on their sacrifice

Shoulder high your flowers grow
row after row
awaiting their service of solace or celebration.