MERRY GOLD: an essay by local author and writer John A. Bragstad
May 17, 2023 10:43AM ● By Content Editor
Photo: MN DNR
By local author and writer John Bragstad for Boreal Community Media - May 17, 2023
Marigolds first appear in the
ditches
Far before the summer crowd.
By local author and writer John Bragstad for Boreal Community Media - May 17, 2023
Marigolds first appear in the
ditches
Far before the summer crowd.
They signal
the birth of spring.
the birth of spring.
They lie in low places,
move from the muck and
drainage to the sunlight
and to raised recognition.
move from the muck and
drainage to the sunlight
and to raised recognition.
They reflect the sun.
They are the celebration
of life at the bottom of a
nondescript ditch.
of life at the bottom of a
nondescript ditch.
They compete with the browns
and plainer language of a pine
forest in early May.
and plainer language of a pine
forest in early May.
They are harbingers of what is
to come.
Heralds of another, brighter
day.
They compete with no one.
They are the original.
They proclaim the colors
in a world of grey,
a world of frost and fading ice.
They are the original.
They proclaim the colors
in a world of grey,
a world of frost and fading ice.
They wait for no cue,
they advance with elaborate
design.
They occupy the low places.
They are longed for as
first announcers of spring.
they advance with elaborate
design.
They occupy the low places.
They are longed for as
first announcers of spring.
They do not apologize
for their lowly status.
Nature has selected them,
and they are equal
to their diminutive task.
for their lowly status.
Nature has selected them,
and they are equal
to their diminutive task.
Broadcasters of new life in a
weary and forlorn world.
weary and forlorn world.
About the author
John A. Bragstad has been a therapist, working with couples and individuals, for 25 years. He is self-published and is enjoying retirement. Lake Superior is just off his front porch.
He has written three books: Compass Season, Loon Laughter at Midnight, and Who's Watching Whoo? They are available in Grand Marais at Drury Lane and Lake Superior Trading Post, or at Amazon.com.Related: Meet your Boreal Community Media Freelance Journalist: John Bragstad
