California’s Winter Coat

I once knew a man

an artist

talented and opinionated

who was dismissive

of the camellia.

Pedestrian, he said.

-

In the darkest of winter

Northern California is resplendent;

unmellow yellows of mustard and lemon

tangerine orange

lime leaf and nasturtium

emerald hills dotted with Kahlo’s callas

and electric pink camellias

clad in the delicate folds

of a youngster’s tutu,

each nourishing hope

of spring

of renewal

of Nature’s promise.

-

Pedestrian, my ass.