Junette Schoell has appeared previously in Poet’s Corner with poems about Wilpena Pound, the Barossa Valley, Victoria’s high country, and Phillip Island and its shearwaters. In today’s contributions, she moves from nature’s overall canvas, to that of the “spring and shadows” of its blooms.

Dance of the Snowdrops

Come Winter and Spring
snowdrops and snowflakes are dancing
in soft circle breezes.
White ballerinas,
bell tipped with green
gracefully sway,
shyly making their proud debuts.
Honey bees hover,
gathering sweet early nectar
transferring the pollen
from day to moon night.
But beware the bulbs,
hidden in deep darkness
hold poisonous might.

Shades of those folk-lore Willis,
elemental vengeful spirits
who lured men to their deaths
in the cool morning air after dancing all night.

Just Joeys

Fragile flowers of fulsome face,
petals fragrant and crinkle tipped,
perfumed breath of God
attracting all, reminding all.
Each of us
divine incense for each other.

But heed tall thorn encrusted stalks, prickly spikes,
constant guardians
inflicting wounds, drawing blood if held too close.
Anthropocentric, egocentric
fall shadows on our journey.

Junette Schoell was born in the Barossa Valley and now lives on the slopes of Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges. She began writing poetry as a young teacher on Kangaroo Island, with her poetry coming from strong personal moments and challenges, and the experiences of nature both old and renewed.

Readers’ original and unpublished poems up to 30 lines can be emailed, with postal address, to [email protected]. A poetry book will be awarded to each contributor.