Rosemary Blossoms

 

The Princess adores

her pale blue kerchiefs.

Her equitable monarchy
shall not be transplanted.

She rewards evergreen
loyalty, distributes wealth

and affection to bees
and hummingbirds.

hans ostrom 2025

Of Roses, Again

Just as castles want

nothing to do
with other buildings--
roses don't desire
the company of other flowers.

They wield thorny branches
like maces, defending
their center. Buds
and opened roses
emerge like wise,
gorgeous princesses.

And the colors. My
God--as vivid
and stirring as flags,
as various as whims.
A gardener cultivates
flowers. A gardener
negotiates with roses,
which define their property,
own it, become green
monuments with spikes.

hans ostrom 2023