Paintings from Florida
(and Other Escape Venues)

Leaving Long Island,
I-95 into South Carolina.
Sulphur, pitch and the tannic outflows
Of the pulp mills
Here there are
No peonies, tree- or otherwise

Florida
Rampant humid growth
And anaerobic decay

My new garden evokes some
After image of the Mediterranean
Refracted, templated, Floridified.
I always wanted a courtyard.
Hortus Inclusus.
Here it is. Here I am.

Vibration or lack thereof
Caused by a spade
That slices too soon to
A fine sandy stratum
Sends puzzling somatic messages
Can this be soil?

See also: American Society of Botanical Artists Gallery

[Click here to see additional work by Marianne Perry Salas]