Singing Travels Vast upon Past Waters

~  for Wilma Whidden Sisson, soprano

Grandiloquent the blossoms by her lawn

Around the back were hidden from the eyes

Of neighbors,   Petals have a brilliant brawn

Of redness, orange of a wide surprise,

Hibiscus of a cream-like purple, jazz

The combination in their beds beside

The singing white gardenias set out as

The purity offsetting all this snide

Cacophony, fortissimo hot hues.

She once was Cape Canaveral’s singing choice

Come evenings on the river.  We can’t cruise

With Wilma.   She is gone, the floating voice

Rowed out by brothers on the brine lagoon—

And love her in the evening’s listening swoon.

~ Phillip Whidden