I Want

 

I want lilacs to bloom in the dark of January

but get a writing friend in New Zealand where it’s summer.

 

I want to steal somebody’s Valentine in February

but get to visit my 90-year-old mother instead.

 

I want March winds to stop roaring with lions

but merry wind-chimes console me.

 

I want to mend the broken stems of April flowers under snow

and my son gives me my first grandchild.

 

I want to go cross country on vacation in May

but stay home to witness the judge marrying my son.

 

I want a long cool nap on a hot June day

but watch six warring hummers at the feeder instead.

 

I want rain to fall on the parched garden in July

that gives radish, spinach and green peppers for a salad.

 

I want to take an August walk in the snow

but watch clouds of butterflies alight on the hydrangeas.

 

I want strawberries to make jam in September

but the fruit stand has a quart of juicy peaches for shortcake.

 

I want a hummingbird to visit me in October

but get a kaleidoscope of falling leaves.

 

I want my family over for Thanksgiving dinner

but get their cat, Radar O’Malley, when they visit the in-laws.

 

I want a live tree to plant after Christmas

but it dies in short sleeve shirt weather with daffodils blooming.

sun salutations in shadow

 

http://www.literaryorphans.org/playdb/unruly-ingrid-buck/

 

Date Published: December 20, 2017