Paper White Narcissus
Imbolc
February first, a great spring festival
for the Celts, who waited
through a tired winter
to face the fresh air
of a new season
and sweep out winter’s lint.
Bellies now full with
milk from sheep’s freshening,
after their lambs were born.
A time to look forward
to the plowing of fields
and first planting of seeds.
Lainie Senechal
Chakra Spirit
Winter Sunset
At end of day
last flash of sun
hovers over lake;
we may be deceived
by its fuchsia brilliance
that travels quickly
from edge of horizon,
a jest of summer
behind bare branches.
But we are not naive,
the peal of winter bells
ring under a waxing moon,
frost king marches forth.
Lainie Senechal
Spirit Tree
Early Winter
An early winter welcomes
with a burst of snow,
as we remember blizzards
of years gone by.
We may wish for
a white Christmas,
or not, maybe zero flakes
and open landscapes are preferred.
We have no bone
to pick with the season,
but hope to endure
what will arrive.
Lainie Senechal
Autumn Assemblage ll
Autumn Rain
Leaves tremble with each drop
as rain showers deepen.
Surf grows stronger
with the storm and rising tide.
Scent of marsh lingers
in moist atmosphere,
a hint of something
that is very old and endures.
Lainie Senechal
Spooky Moon
Harvest Moon
The full moon,
like a round white sheet,
floats through the heavens,
rich with purple clouds.
Who dances under the orb
at harvest time, where
the bounty is gathered
to secure sustenance
against the barren days?
Lainie Senechal
Autumn Assemblage
Autumn Begins
Cool, salty winds blow in
from distant shore.
Sweet, sultry, Southern air
departs with summer sun.
Shelter of green leaves
becomes quite sparse,
as colorful remnants
fly in blustery breezes.
We gaze at evening’s low clouds,
color of purple wine -
wait for the long nights
and melancholy autumn days.
Lainie Senechal
Announcement: Lainie’s paintings will be on display at Amesbury City Hall beginning September 30 through January in a group exhibit titled “Transitions”. The opening is Wednesday, October 2nd from 6-8 pm.
Dahlias in a Green Vase
Near Summer’s End
Morning mist leaves the meadow,
as the rising sun creates
rainbow arcs in the fog.
A humid day concludes
in storms which sprinkle
the dry earth – a gift
from the clouds above.
At night, cooler air
reminds us that summer’s
end is nearly in sight.
Lainie Senechal
Pink Peonies
July’s Journey
July progresses, not quickly,
but with long, languid days
of hot, sweaty weather.
The pick of summer
for those that smile
at the sun’s strongest hours.
A smooth ride through a season
when the cornucopia opens
to provide juicy blueberries,
fresh dug new potatoes
and many ears of sweet corn.
Lainie Senechal
Tanabata Stars
Tanabata Stars*
Beyond the Summer Solstice,
on a calm evening, the stars
seem to blossom in the heavens,
accompanied by planets,
with their slowly turning moons,
and exploding supernovas
that surprise even the astronomers.
The lovely star, Vega, appears
with her bright partner, Altair,
forming two points
of the Summer Triangle
and spinning myths that
weave through the ages.
Lainie Senechal
Announcement: Lainie will exhibit paintings and read poetry on July 6th at the Tanabata Festival at the Kaji Aso Studio, Boston, MA, 7-9pm. Free and open to the public.
*Tanabata is a Japanese Festival based on a legend that includes the stars Vega and Altair.
Clearing Sky
Spring’s Return
Sun salutes the morning sky
after days of solemn rain and mist.
Lawns, meadows and fields
are deep green and soft.
A flow of flowers decorate
newly budding trees.
Chipping sparrow chants
a singular staccato trill
while the cardinal croons
a run of sweet notes.
Spring’s return is rich
with color and song.
Lainie Senechal