Limelight Hydrangeas

The superabundant
greenish white blooms
of the limelight hydrangeas
languidly reach over the fence
in the hazy sun, yearning
to cheer you on in your day.
They proffer their gloved hands
for you to gallantly kiss.
They are as urgent
to be noticed
as a young puppy barking,
whose thrilled tail wags
in anticipation of affection.
They generously
insinuate themselves,
deftly merging
into your experience
like a delta flooding
into the sea.
Their petalled globes 
pointedly extend,
so full and saturated
with bountiful beauty,
hanging heavy
with so much grandeur.
Light catches
on every frill
of their mounds
of pillowy blossoms
which look like
polka-dots from afar
or popcorn erupting,
while up close,
they nurse us
in their buxom bosom,
plush orbs of efflorescence,
that we never want
to be weaned of.
Drenched in a profusion
of thriving well wishes
that feeds, greets,
and applauds each passer-by,
they flourishingly herald
summer’s closing chapters
with a surfeit of
chlorophyl verdure.
Like flashy fireworks
that quietly explode,
comfortingly strident,
but hushed,
they patiently,
but vociferously, proclaim
an easy limeade welcome,
of a satisfyingly relaxed,
and wholly hospitable home.

by Polly Castor
8/31/26