Singing Travels Vast upon Past Waters
~ for Wilma Whidden Sisson, soprano
Grandiloquent the blossoms by her lawn
Around the back werehidden 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
You captured her essence. As I read your poem visualization of times past filled my minds eye.
Gary, do you know the color photographic portrait mentioned in that post? If so, do you know where it is, please? May I see it?