The Flirts
They stood close, bunched together. They nodded and gossiped, their dialogue carried away by the youthful breeze, promised to secrecy. Bees buzzed in their bonnets, sprinkling a dust of pollen that traced a filigree veil on their whiteness, their pure hue. It made them sneeze a little, and they shook their snowy heads.
Two debutantes, flowering in time with the bright season, condemned by a botanical ancestry to wearing what their mothers wore, stood and waited. Their adornments were urgent, for each passing moment brought them closer to the blustery months that would end their festivities. But they stood aloof, shy and sly. They dropped their white petals at their feet - like handkerchiefs - and waited for me to pick one up.
Comments
Didn't comment sooner because I wasn't able to see the pic ... but OMG. Your description is perfect.
Not just handkerchiefs, but handkerchiefs made of the best, frilliest, whitest Brussels lace.
(Ooooh, look at this!!!)
Aubrey, I really like your writing. There is a sense of whimsy in this that is so lacking in most modern wriitng. What is it called to give a plant human characteristics? I bet there is a word out there. Favorite phrase "condemned by a botanical ancestry" your work is rich. I could see Ia collection of photos and your words.
Many people attempt similiar themes, but end up getting cutsey. Your work is perfect. Thanks.
Lucy
one criticism upon closer reading. These are azaleas and the hot months are coming that will shrivel and dessicate them, not cold months.
Lucy
so pretty... knowing that there really is gossip between the blooming flowers...
candy
There is this tree in front of the church here..the branches sort of explode out of the trunk and then trail towards the ground..heavy with pink flowers that look like froth..the effect is just..ethereal. I always look at that tree and think, 'How would Aubrey describe this?'
A couple of drafts before posting, this little flash in the pan was exibiting several cutesy elements that had to be 'nipped in the bud'. And thank you for the azalea identification. It makes sense; the summer months tend to make me shriveled and dessicated as well.