nature

Rain

~ ~M ~ 29 Comments

During the heart of summer silliness
shimmery beads spill softly
subduing, yet giving rise
to the warm embrace of the day.

A kaleidoscope of kisses
clings to my sun-scorched skin
whispering sweet nothings
in my worn-out, weathered ears.

A single drop sizzles
on the tip of my tongue
pieces of parched earth
come alive in my mouth.

I drink in the days of my youth
the ends of eras, no longer lost
forgotten moments flickering
embers that never quite expired.

A flood of emotions permeates
all the hidden parts of me.
Funny, I could’ve sworn
I’d never see days like this again.

© 2025 Michelle Cook

Photo generated with AI

What is it about a dandelion?

~ ~M ~ 50 Comments

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She spreads her billowy petticoat
Just wishing for some fun
As her dainty white tufts
Reach for the midday sun

Soft and serene
Her cottony clusters finally do fly
Each ruffle floating along
Towards the infinite wide open sky

Her lacy remnants twirl
On the delicate breezy air
Her dizzying pirouettes
Cause the bees to stop and stare

What is it about her
That makes the world stand still
A graceful little weed
Who can give us such a thrill

© 2017 Michelle Cook

Writing prompt:  What is it about a dandelion?

The end of an era

~ ~M ~ 8 Comments

We have but one journey,
and the path is never straight.

We think we have lots of time,
but like sand, it can’t be held.

We learn after the goal is complete
that the end is really the beginning.

We realize all of our joyous moments
have been happening all along.

We discover that the journey
was never about reaching our destination.

We notice all the people we’ve met
were never there to stay.

We feel bittersweet and unsettled
by all the things we’ve accomplished.

We are grateful for the sunset
reminding us to live in the here and now.

© 2025 Michelle Cook

Photo generated with AI

Potential

~ ~M ~ 2 Comments

I looked down
and there you were
an annoyance of nature
a small scratchy burr

Little did I realize
what you were about to do
such beautiful potential
nestled in my shoe

A mystery waiting
so eager to unfold
I tossed you aside
then your roots took hold

And what I saw later
was the biggest surprise
you blossomed to life
shedding your tiny disguise

Once barren and brown
with a prickly outer shell
now all grown up
birthed from where you fell

It’s amazing to see
what you’ve become
once such a nuisance
now flourishing in the sun

© 2025 Michelle Cook

Photo generated with AI

There are days…

~ ~M ~ 23 Comments

There are days
when everything is right,
days when all the fields
shine so bright.

But today is not
one of those days,
instead, it’s just proof
of how nobody prays.

Today the sun
has lost her glow,
and the rain sent instead
has been all just for show.

Fattened gray clouds
still gush in sheets,
flooding sunken corners
on empty streets.

Sorry puddles
reflect sullen skies,
waters blurry black
like mascara eyes.

Echos of harsh words
woven in the winds,
a mournful reminder
of how the story always ends.

© 2025 Michelle Cook

Photo generated with AI