Magnolia Tree

squinting in spring sun too bright for long glances 

beside you I stand under wax pink magnolia blossoms 

they spread in riots on traces of winter bent branches 

free from constraints of frosts they preen petals courting light 

like bone china tea cups on freshly waxed sideboards 



you lean away from me striking a casual pose after 

dropping my hand when I try to draw you 

near for the sake of the non wide angle lens 

in dark glasses you stare over my head past our 

son the photographer who took several steps so he 

could prevent your being cut out of the frame while 

your hand twitched with the cigarette you wanted to light 



what's taking so long you wanted to know and said time 

was being wasted but I knew you were impatient to get 

to that drink in the half empty glass in the kitchen 

we let you go right after the click of the shutter 

now magnolia blossoms shimmer again like new brides 

but all I see are curled petals scattered across lawns

© Barbara Phillips