Inspiring a Poet

One way I share my photography is to make showcase presentations; groups of slides set to music.  I have two shows completed that I have presented at camera clubs and at the NECCC annual conference.  I was asked to show one at the Cortland Place assisted living facility in Greenville, RI for a change of pace from their normal entertainment activities.  The show “Favorite Places, Favorite Images” was well attended and well received.  One resident, a retired first-grade teacher, was so moved by the show she got out of bed at midnight to write this poem. 

Scenes in Couplets

by Francis Dinneen, Cortland Place

We say lovely scenes – not a car, house or steeple.

Just flowers, birds and faraway tiny people.

In the yard we saw Indian Pipes and other fungi.

And butterflies whose colors struck the eye.

Craggy mountains with their ancient folds

And striking deserts – eons old.

Hills and Valleys made a scene.

I even remember a lovely ravine.

Ancient trees so gangly and stark.

How many years since they’d had bark?

There were streams and gulleys and a water fall.

So much beauty – can’t remember it all.

I recall a desert stretching forever.

I heard someone murmur, “Well I never!”

I saw a double rainbow with all six shades.

Glowing through the mist – a colorful sight it made.

Then there were creatures, some of them small.

Little bugs and snakes, can’t recall all.

Next came the lion – mouth open to roar.

Great fun to look at – not to adore!

There was a geyser in old Yellowstone –

Believe me when I say, it doesn’t ‘geys’ alone!

Clouds and sunsets were there for us.

We got them free – no need to fuss.

The musical scores surrounding them all –

There only one phrase – they did us enthrall.

I’m sure to have omitted a scene or two –

Or three or four – possibly more.

It was a marvelous, splendid afternoon.

Will you please, I beg you, come back soon.