Making Overtures

" Making Overtures "

by Suzán Jiván
Mom & Mom-
Mom Suzán

Making overtures
trading the beach
for the country

with plantings
for the birds
bees and butterflies

like making paintings
by numbers
as yellow- swallowtails
and orange monarchs

remaining popular
like Lombardy poplars'
screening properties

fast-growing lithe forms
dancing leaves
rustic settings

bronze in spring
then green and pale green
then golden
when standing alone

clattering flashing pale
felt-like hairs
stylish black diamonds

taking swipes at neckties
blurring lines
city girl meets tomboy style

sunglasses propped
atop a short bob
globetrotting

chronicling a shaved
Adam's apple
for Johnny Appleseed

with the use of marionettes
as questions
of gender etiquette

choosing to stick
with "he" and "him"
versus "she" and "her"


male flowers resembling
4-inch purplish caterpillars
female flowers on separate trees
producing hanging bracelets

releasing tiny black seeds
attached to tufts of hairs
symbolizing hope and candor...