6.1.2026

Kim Nelson

Jun 1

I love Sam's work; and this poem is a particular gem, tying together the mundane and inane. Thanks for the share, X.P.

I've got a lot of petunias to deadhead.

Thank you, Kim! Any time politics comes up in discussion I usually bury myself in the petunias... : )

I’ve taken to invoking the Keanu Reaves Rule. He says, “I'm at that stage in life where I stay out of discussions. Even if you say 1+1=5, you’re right. Have fun."

A very wise person!

God, the world can be exhausting (especially these days). So many crisis to choose from. I tell myself not to selfishly retreat to my petunias, but maybe we all need some flower time to find the energy to deal with (each in our own small way) all the shit going on.

Thanks for the share.

We need a distraction from time to time, and flowers are a good distraction for me. Thank you!

il faut cultiver son jardin

I love the voice here. Keep on keeping' on.

That's all we can do! Thank you!

Always introducing me to new poets! This is really delightful. Ordering Sam Aureli's book today

That’s wonderful! Janie Braverman, the one-woman WPA (Working Poets’ Angel).

Love this!

Thank you, Angela! 🙏

I love that you wrote this in Elmo's voice, one of my favorites among the Muppets. And all the details you add are great. Perfect choice of poem to feature here, Sam.

Thank you, Maureen! 🙏

Love this work Sam!

Thank you, Teyani! I usually use this style when I'm dealing with matters of a political nature. : )

Lovely poem.

Thank you! 🙏

My mental health definitely improves when I’m focusing on my flowers. Today I finally got around to digging up and splitting the irises I never got to last fall. And planting some sunflowers and cosmos and zinnias.

Tending to the earth is very therapeutic. At this rate, we may be overrun with flowers!

Love the gentle, kind spirit of this poem, Sam. Such a rest from all the anger. My favorite muppet was always Grover (I think he's Elmo's uncle?)

Thank you, Ann. I liked Oscar back in the day, but now I don't appreciate grumpy folk as much. And I've learned that when we let anger dictate our response, it's easy to lose control of what we want to say, and it never comes out right.

Thanks for this bit of thoughtfulness today. I needed it. So much nonsense and whining out there.

Thank you, Michael. I keep burying my head in flowers and birds. They keep me busy and sane.

Yes, and ostriches also have the right idea. I wonder if they like petunias?

I'm sure if ostriches and petunias shared the same wild fields, they would adore them!

This is a fabulous poem. I love the humor, the realness of it. Thank you for reminding me to just do what's in front of me instead of gnashing my teeth.

There's only so much grinding teeth can take! And thank you, LeeAnn. 🙏

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