Winterthur

I
the ferns guard the paths
keeping unruly visitors in line
but relaying secrets
in the June breeze

II
in the pond
the koi glide like submarines
just below the surface
stirring up the images of fauns reflected

III
from the garden staircases
clothed in velvet carpets of stone
descends Flora
lightly caressing the banister
with chlorophyll fingertips

IV
the wind passes through the forest
singing choral odes
whistling through the thatched roofs
rattling the hotel of hostas

V
fairies emerge from their sylvan homes
wings alighted
in a tidal wave of air
a flowing form

VI
sculptures rise in the wind
awakened by the rush of energy
striking up flowers in a choreography
practiced through the centuries
from ballet to waltz

VII
in an alcove, babes rest on teak benches
bedtime stories from the ruins
youthful faces illuminated by the bonfire
kindled from the future

VIII
cherubs bathe on chaise ferns
sunlit eyes admiring their world
hearts fluttering with the breeze
sipping dewdrop wine

IX
​squirrels perch precariously
on uneven stone paths
winding through the acres
offering private tours of their kingdom

X
the lilies light the walkway
setting a transparent glow
on the vicinity
drawing visitors into the landscape
 
XI
the trees pose in yoga
supple limbs bending in rhyme
rigid bark turning fluid
together performing poetry

XII
spirits linger in the garden
their images a blur
of gray among the green
a haunted presence welcomed

XIII
the stone terraces melt into the verdant landscape
vines reclaiming the stone surroundings
sinusoidal paths lead on
image continuing without horizon