PURPLE MAJESTIES

I didn't have any idea what I would write about today but my snail-mail poetry group's return of last session's poem gave me an idea...the subject was purple. Sitting here at the keyboard I realize I am wearing a purple tee (with the words California Dreamin') and next to my note pad rests a purple ink pen. With my first published book, "The Quilt Maker," I began autographing with purple ink. Though I don't want to admit to the "age" thing, for as long as I live I will wear purple.

I also tie the color into royalty and Jesus Christ. And I believe that as a child of God, who is my King, I am allowed to wear purple. Though a commoner in the sight of the world, I am precious to Him.

So...I love purple clothes, purple shoes. Purple (they're not really red) onions in salad. Purple (I think they are more burgandy) wines. Purple orchids, purple-leafed canna lilies, and my favorite purple irisis blooming in my garden in early spring.

Here's a short poem--not the one I shared with my critique group--just a little thing I wrote in my journal.

When I think of my love
for the color purple
and list all my favorites--
purple irisis, purple sweater,
purple shoes, purple ink,
and that favorite wine,
I realize that none
of these compare compare
with my favorite purple.
The one that touches my heart
fiercely grips at my soul is
that Purple Heart on the
breast of a soldier
young and old.
(Barbara Deming (c)2011)