THE IMAGINED PANOPLY

The warm breeze brought the smell of roses. There may have been other petals in the scent, but what came to mind was roses.
That fragrance remains an exciting discovery.
Evocative, every time.

It reminds me of frogs.

The first time I recall noticing that fragrance there was a happy looking amphibian sitting in the garden. Having seen pictures I recognized the creature for what it was, but I wondered why it seemed so incomplete; it had no crown.
Not even a diamond headband. That didn't seem right.
All the illustrations had shown frogs as regal!
This one simply looked contemplative.
Till it squawked and jumped.


At that age I envied frogs; they seemed to have the very best lives. Long leapy legs, big eyes, and above all, wetness! What freedom to always wear sopping garments!
When warm air comes from all directions, being moist is both natural and fun.
Especially if you are a frog, or something similar.

I was convinced that frogs went south for the winter, to vacation colonies where they basked in the sun all day and splashed in pools surrounded by rose bushes.
Their very own Florida.

Frogs probably don't smell floral, but fern-like and mossy.
But that may just be the base note.


GREEN, YELLOW, AND SILVER

The sunlight in the middle of the afternoon is not golden, not that soft. Rather, a strong steel white. Dragon flies drift in the heat-shimmering air, and the grass seems soft, so soft. Lie down and feel it, cool through the fabric, and like feathers stroking the backs of your knees. The perfect picnic consists of cream-puffs in an ice-chest, with cool water. How splendid to just stare up at the sky for a while before eating, lying like this.
Blue. No clouds. High overhead and to the west an airplane traverses the expanse, nearby a crow caws as it wheels through the air.
There's a cheeky blackbird hopping a little distance off.
A dragon fly hovers exactly overhead.
Relaxed, excitement.
Hot skin.

There are other blossoms here, but they cannot be identified.
Floral influences are far less strong on a warm day, and fragrances dissipate too fast.

Greenness, fruity and citrusy. Resinous, musky, narcotic.
Also something from the shadows under the trees.
Balsam, pine, leaves, and lichens.

One of those creampuffs would be divine right now. And feel delightful too.
An explosion of lovely sweet custard, smooth upon the tongue.
Lick the lips, drink it in, smiling with sleepy eyes.
Relax. Always imitate the frog.
Leap only if required.


At twilight there are more dragon flies in the air, their flittering wings reflecting silver from the streetlights. They are more active now that the heat has lessened, but the air still seems moist and musky.
There are haunting traces of perfume.
Soft blankets, amber tea.
And home.



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