Porch Gardens of New Orleans

By Diane E. Dees

 

Scattered along uptown streets, like

freeform gemstones on strips of worn green velvet,

tiny yards flash summer color

across an exospheric screen.

Zinnias of carnelian and garnet,

spires of salvia with sapphire flames

singe petals of daylilies, which close

like citrine-studded lockets,

protecting their treasures from those who stand

too close to the family jewels.

Antique roses falling over fences are

pink abalone pearls draped over heirloom bedposts.

Above the color-drenched display, banana trees

shimmer with tiny diamonds of rainwater already forgotten;

quicksilver clouds pry open a window in the sky,

making room for the resplendent oaks and spires

that guard the city's best-kept secrets.