The Gardener’s Grape Hyacinths

I pause to take in
the grape hyacinths edging the driveway.
How many years have I walked
by this front yard garden
and not seen these harbingers of spring?
Could it be that the generous rains of late
awakened dormant bulbs?

There are signs the gardener has departed,
absent for many months—
street-facing shades closed,
no casual conversations about
his beloved gerbera daisies.
Without his careful tending
they have vanished.

Yet, the gardener greets me
with his brilliant blue grape hyacinths
planted untold years ago
and for this time.

Sue Martin
February 2023

Epilogue: Yesterday I knocked on the gardener’s front door. Indeed, his brother-in-law confirmed the gardener departed at age 93. He could not explain the grape hyacinths but invited me to return later and dig some bulbs for my garden. We also spotted one gerbera daisy blooming on this winter day.