The yellow settles on everything here. We call it “The Pollening” as if it’s the title of a horror movie. ;)


The Pollening

As daffodils begin to droop,
heads bowed in preparation
of what’s to come
here in the South -
the great big pollination.

Azaleas peek beneath the green,
the blooms a constellation
of colors rich -
pink, red, and white -
a cause for celebration.

Our noses water, twitch, and itch,
a source of consternation.
Our instincts tell us:
get out, enjoy -
then comes the irritation.

We meet each other, stop, complain
about our situation.
Oh, spring’s a beauty
in the South,
despite the pollination.




Poetry by Melinda K Zarate The PoetBay support member heart!
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Written on 2026-03-27 at 14:57

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melanie sue The PoetBay support member heart!
I love the way you write about nature. I am definitely a nature lover. But it's also easier to relate to it, since we live in the same state. I want to encourage you to write- you have the gift. Don't stop,my new friend.
The other thing, at least for me, is how your writing evokes my own tangible memories locked within your descriptions. I've been sneezing alot and that's the worst that I am effected by it. My mom would get the worst symptoms of hayfever. And then, there's real time that I can relate to--I had to take my 5 year old grandson, Legend to Urgent Care 2 days ago. There is, no doubt, allergies, RSV and other viral nasties going around. Legend started making that whooping cough kind of cough and complain his throat felt sore. Legend's mom eventually came to take over and I left. The doctor said he was writing a precautionary prescription and I think they were going to do some blood work. The doctor was very clear in stating that it could be the excessive pollen. It is harder on little people's lungs. Still, be thankful for it.....without it, there'd be no life. I like poetry that also inspires me to write, not just connect. This piece has it all. Thank you.
2026-03-27