Welcome to Sunday Poetry. If this is your first visit you can read about the purpose and inspiration of my Sunday poetry blogs here.

More poetry today about the charms of summer. John Updike’s Chicory certainly brought back a wonderful memory. Years ago my first summer in Virginia followed a spring of new and spectacular beauty for me. Daffodils and moss phlox, followed by dogwoods, redbuds and azaleas.

Little did I know more new favorites were to come. There, by the roadside as the weather warmed, were stalks of bright blue flowers of a type I had never seen in Florida or California, cushioned by clouds of white, like bouquets set there to tempt me and make certain that gawking, I drove off the road and into any available ditch.

After that summer chicory and its Queen Anne’s lace companion became favorites for me.

You might remember my chicory tale along with another poem, by Wendell Berry, featured last year on July 10th. A Timbered Choir is yet another ode to chicory, and of course, there can’t be too many. Why not read them both?

Remember, we read poetry together here for the pure pleasure of the experience. There are no quizzes, no right ways to read or contemplate the poem we share. Absolutely no dissecting allowed. Just come along for the “read.” What line, word or thought will you carry with you this week? If you’d like to tell us where the poem took you? We’ll listen.

Remember, too, there is a special giveaway in progress for those who comment on any Sunday Poetry blog before year’s end.  See the details here.