Wonder Gardens, by Lois Perch Villemaire

Paysage Colore aux Oiseaux Aquatiques. by Jean Metzinger (France) 1907

Wonder Gardens

We have returned 
each year to the gardens 
to gaze at the neon flamingo
standing on one stilted leg
to conserve body heat.
She twists her long neck   
resting her head on her back
resembling a package 
of pink feathers

A pelican floats nearby 
a flock of white ibises 
step through the lagoon
unable to coax our eyes 
from the flamboyant flamingo
feasting on shrimp and plankton
to assume that exquisite hue 

We extend our hands 
with specks of food 
in hopes a hooked beak
with a shiny black tip 
will choose to nibble.
Instead her neck stretches 
into the water
as long skinny legs allow her
to search for prey down deep.

Lois Perch Villemaire

Lois Perch Villemaire resides in Annapolis, MD, where she is inspired by the charm of a colonial town and the glorious Chesapeake Bay. After retirement from a career in local government, she concentrated on her love of writing. Researching family history led to memoir and creative nonfiction. Her prose and poetry have appeared in a number of journals and have been included in several anthologies. She enjoys yoga practice, fun photography, watercolor, and raising African violets.