Red

RED

“What’s your favorite color?” He asked.

“Red,” my answer came.

Then I, being I, could not let it lie

And added, “But what’s in a name?”

“My favorite color for roses

Is a velvety burgundy hue.

And poppies always catch my eye

When their scarlet is covered in dew.

“The ginger silk of the baby’s hair

And the russet red of her brother’s.

The chestnut shine on one pony’s neck

The rich carmine glow on another’s.

“My favorite color for gemstones?

How could I possibly choose?

The candy-red sparkle of rubies -

Or the garnet’s mahogany hues?

“And, oh my! There’s the sunset sky –

Salmon, magenta, and rose!

That deep brick red as the sun goes to bed

Thrills me down to my toes!

“So, what’s my favorite color?

I’ll just leave those details unsaid.

What’s my favorite color?

I guess I’ll just say it’s red.”

Joan Shaw Turrentine

February 2019

12 Poems in 12 Months

Poetry Prompt - Red