Meandering aimlessly through the desolate estate
As a child chasing a winsome dream
My boot caresses the dangling ivy-overgrown
Over the wall towering
To reveal an aged door

The rusty door hinges grudgingly open
Another trek through a boring garden arbor
As I grip the Camera
A cynical smirk adorns my face
Expectation of an ordinary scene

My dragon's breath warmed by morning coffee
Smokes with the wind chill from the mountain breeze
As I enter, the brilliant Kaleidoscope of colors
takes me by surprise

Excitement fills every fiber
As the camera clicks shot after shot
Overpowering images fill every frame
Each Rare as a perfect wine
Until it all is captured

The photographer pauses with a smile
Puts his camera by his side
and turns in a slow circle
Taking in the beauty no camera could see

He closes the door behind him
His eyes filled with a tear
At what he just witnessed
A secret hidden now revealed

08/06/2024

Author's Note: This a modified repost of something I wrote almost 20 years ago. It is based on one of my favorite books I have ever read. The story is touching and inspiring. The book is "The Secret Garden" While called a children's book, it has very adult themes with children playing the roles. There is tragedy, loneliness, despair, and helplessness. There is recovery, friendships, and challenges. There is a singular love of the beauty of flowers in their best state, transforming helplessness into independence and discarding a crutch that is no longer needed. This poem is a modern iteration of when Mary opens the door to the garden for the first time. In her place is a cynical photographer taking pictures at the estate.

Posted on 08/06/2024
Copyright © 2024 James Zealy