DERBY DAY

Sunglasses,
ladies in big hats,
jockeys
in colorful silks,
horseflesh rippling,
blinders,
sleek, then sweaty,
minty drinks
chilled metal cups,
everyone stands
a rush,
a roar,
cameras flash,
a blanket of roses,
history
in less than three minutes,
horses worth more than a house,
jewels sparkle in the sun,
$25,000 just to run.

   The first Saturday in May is the running of the Kentucky Derby.

HAPPY MAY DAY

Happy May Day.

 
Happy Lei Day.

 
Aloha to you.

 
I'm making a lei,

 
that's what I do.
 
     When I was a little girl to celebrate May Day I'd make a cone from paper and put a handle on the top.  Then I'd put flowers in the cone and hang it on my neighbors' front door.  I'd ring the doorbell and run away yelling, "Happy May Day."
    Then Russia claimed May 1, as their independence day and the USSR would celebrate with big parades featuring all the tanks and cannons and soldiers marching. It made the day all about war and showing might to me.  I didn't like the day I celebrated with flowers becoming about military might.
    Then a few years ago I discovered that Hawaii celebrates May First with leis.  On the Island of Kauai today there is a lei competition for children.  The lei doesn't have to be made of flowers.  Leis are made with sea shells and even ribbons and beads.  So now I enjoy celebrating Lei Day on the first of May.
     Can you try writing your own poem today that includes a flower?  Have fun writing your poem.
    There is a lot to be happy about today.  So let's celebrate with the Poetry Friday Round Up.  Mary Lee Hahn is hosting us this week on her blog A Year of Reading. 
   Read the "Comments" on May Lee's blog to find all the links.