Consider Yourself Warmed, oops, I mean Warned!

The word 'beware' can be replaced with 'be aware' if you prefer!

Beware of the flowers

Noon showers, blue breeze

Of bracken-fringed bowers

Of silver-capped seas

Of wild apple orchards

And autumn-tinged woods

Of moon-dappled gardens

Where willow-wind broods

Beware of green meadows

Of gold-tousled hills

Of twilight’s tall shadows

And midnight’s starred rills

Of ice-cream and daydream

Yes, beware of this

Especially the sunbeam

That feels like a kiss

Beware of the chair

That was not made for two

Beware of the air

Imbibed with dusky dew

Beware of the river

Behind the old church

Beware of the shiver

Of poplar and birch

Beware of the fingers

Strumming strings of grass

The moment that lingers

When it ought to pass

Beware of desire

Beware of the spark

That kindles a fire

Before it is dark

Beware of brook-banter

Of thoroughbred thrills

Of sky-high decanter

That drains as it fills

Pay heed to these warning;

Beware of tick-tocks

They steal mist-mauve mornings

And sunset-bathed docks

Beware of mud-puddles

And most common things

That stirs and befuddles

A world full of kings

Beware of the years, dear

You’ll learn soon enough

That nothing is as it appears

Dearest dears

If you are in love

© Janet Martin