Midwest Mary

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By

Mary K. Doyle

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Poem–Spring’s Awakening and New Haiku Anthology

Spring’s Awakening

During drab, grey winter days
we yearn for color and signs of life.
Patiently, we search and wait
for indications of birth and growth.

Finally! We’re rewarded
with gentle rains and warm sunny days
followed by green sprouts and buds
stretching, yawning, and awakening.

Like fireworks, blooms burst bright.
Butterflies flutter and bunnies dance.
Birds announce the spring in song.
Hearts fill with seasonal offerings.

Here are some photos of spring’s awakening in Cantigny Park in Winfield, Illinois. (Photos taken 4/24/25)

Columbine

Peonies and Pansies

African Daisies and Pansies.

Yellow Magnolia.

Iceland Poppies

Hellebore, also called Lenten rose

Colorado Blue Columbine

Narcissus

Quince

Rhododendron

Tulips

And now that I have you in a tranquil, peaceful mood, check out the new collection of haikus on tranquility by Literary Revelations Press, Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku. Five of my haikus join more than 200 other poets’ poems in this incredible book. I just received my hard copies, and they are quite special.

You might also like to see my book, Tranquility Transformation Transcendence which offers 72 photos and 72 poems.

©Mary K. Doyle, 2025

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Responses to “Poem–Spring’s Awakening and New Haiku Anthology”

  1. Victoria

    Oh…so lovely, Mary! Especially this: “blooms burst bright”. I love those three words as accompaniment to your photos. True enough. xo! 🥰

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Vicki. It’s so good to have sunshine and warm weather again, isn’t it?

      Reply
      1. Victoria

        Yes! And you captured the vibe perfectly! 🥰

        Reply
  2. Melissa Lemay

    Beautiful! I especially love the Iceland Poppies.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Aren’t they pretty, Melissa? It is the first time I’ve seen this type of poppy.

      Reply
  3. vermavkv

    Beautiful words and lovely pic.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you. Have the best day.

      Reply
  4. Anonymous

    Beautiful flowers

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you!

      Reply
  5. Nancy Homlitas

    Love “Spring’s Awakening” and the beautiful images that exemplify the magnificence of the season. Thanks for sharing, Mary! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for your kind words, Nancy. Hugs to you.

      Reply
  6. Silvia

    This was vibrant and also calming.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Good to hear, Silvia. All the best to you.

      Reply
  7. P. J. Gudka

    Lovely poems and images, I love looking at flowers.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Pooja. I probably am obsessive with the flowers, but they do make me–and you–happy. Love to you, my friend.

      Reply
      1. P. J. Gudka

        Lots of love to you as well.

        Reply
  8. Tony

    Every time spring shows the end of his bet, it is that a rebirth, the world returns to him after a long lethargy…
    Belle journée à toi Mary.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Oh, thank you, Tony. May your day be absolutely perfect.

      Reply
  9. arlene

    So beautiful photos and lovely poem too Mary.😍

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Arlene. You probably have flowers all year long. We wait for months and months to see them here.

      Reply
      1. arlene

        They usually bloom during summer here.😍

        Reply
  10. Gabriela Marie Milton

    ❤️❤️❤️

    Reply
  11. Dawn Pisturino

    Congratulations! Beautiful photos and poems.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Dawn. I enjoyed reading your haikus in the anthology. Isn’t the book beautiful?

      Reply
  12. capentalc

    I love all these flowers!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I’m sure you do, my floral friend. Hugs to you.

      Reply
  13. CJ Antichow

    Beautiful 🤩

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, CJ.

      Reply
  14. Michael Watson PhD

    What a marvellous post! Food for the eye and the soul! Thank you.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for that wonderful comment, Dr. Michael.

      Reply
  15. Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen

    Beautiful poem and beautiful images! It does happen finally so very fast.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      How we wait for this, don’t we, Dorothy? I hope you are doing well.

      Reply
      1. Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen

        With sun today after a rainy weekend, I’m great! Got a lot of weeding done.

        Reply
  16. Monkey’s Tale

    Beautiful Mary, it is like a slowly releasing fireworks display. Love that, Maggie

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Maggie. Where are you now, my traveling friend?

      Reply
      1. Monkey’s Tale

        We’re home, for about another month. We’re not sure where to next though 😊

        Reply
  17. Penn(y)4 ✍️

    👏 Totally gorgeous photos,…natures palette is endless..💫🌹💫

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you. I appreciate your presence here.

      Reply
  18. Ronit Penso Tasty Eats

    Thanks for sharing this highly uplifting poem and beautiful photos! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You are very welcome, Ronit. It is glorious to see these flowers and greenery again.

      Reply
  19. mjeanpike

    So beautiful!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you!

      Reply
  20. Lori Pohlman

    “Birds announce the spring in song”
    So special! Birdsong is such a gift! What a beautiful poem and accompanying flower photos, Mary! I love them all! I once had a yard with a long row of peonies all across the back fence. We moved in when there was snow on the ground and had no idea they were there. It was an amazing spring!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I can only imagine the delightful surprise to see all of those poppies for the first time, Lori. And I surely do love listening to the birds. Thank you for your wonderful feedback.

      Reply
  21. gustavo_horta

    👏👏👏👏

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, my friend.

      Reply
      1. gustavo_horta

        Hugs!

        Reply
  22. Rosaliene Bacchus

    Mother Nature in all her glory! Congrats on your new haiku poetry collection!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Rosaliene. I’m one of more than 200 poets featured in the new anthology. The other book is a couple of years old, but in need of some attention. It was interesting that the anthology would begin with tranquility and contain poetry as my book did, as well. Have a great day, my friend.

      Reply
  23. Susana Cabaço

    Lovely poem and photos. A beautiful tribute to Spring and Mother Earth. Very soothing, indeed! Thank you for the share, Mary! Much appreciated! Light and blessings to you 🙏 🌟 🌈🌻🍀🌹🦋

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Susan. Our mission is to bring some peace and joy into readers’ days. Hugs to you, Lady of Light.

      Reply
  24. philsblog01

    Beautiful Mary!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Phil. Have the best day.

      Reply
      1. philsblog01

        Thanks Mary you.also!

        Reply
  25. GP

    Is it just me or has this Spring brought more striking colors out!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It’s a gorgeous spring in the Chicago area, GP. Are you also in the Midwest?

      Reply
      1. GP

        No, Florida.

        Reply
  26. Violet Lentz

    Absolutely beautiful. We are just about out of snow, so I am on the lookout for blooms myself!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      May you find abundant blooms soon, Violet.

      Reply
  27. joannerambling

    This was lovely and all the pictures of flowers made the post beautiful

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Joan. Spring is an exciting time and experience.

      Reply
  28. Escribir Y Sanar

    Beautiful 🌹✨ both the poem and the blooming flowers 💐

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, dear Madalaine.

      Reply
  29. Michele Lee

    Thank you for this charming share, dear Mary. Full of hope and nature’s beauty and your lovely voice, of course. 🎙️💐🙏🏻

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, sweet Michele. Happy Spring!

      Reply
      1. Michele Lee

        😊🙏🏻🪷

        Reply
  30. Joseph Glidden

    Very nice pictures. It looks like spring is in full bloom there.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It always feels like an endless winter when suddenly, spring pops out in full glory. Thank you, Joseph.

      Reply
  31. Ernie ‘Dawg’

    Congrats Mary on the book coming out. The flowers are beautiful too.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I’m one of many poets represented in the anthology, Ernie. I do think the book is beautiful. Thank you for commenting, my friend.

      Reply
  32. Indira

    Beautiful pictures and poem, Mary!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Indira. I appreciate your kind words.

      Reply
  33. Lauren Scott, Author

    Your poem is a beautiful ode to spring, Mary, and your photos are gorgeous. I just received my paperback of Tranquility too and it’s lovely! I’m honored to be a part of it with you. 💞

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      The Tranquility anthology is beautiful, Lauren. It’s fun to be with you and so many others around the world.

      Reply
  34. Frances Torres

    Beautiful Poem 🥰

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Frances. It’s good to see you.

      Reply
  35. Resa

    Beautiful words and photos. Thank you, Mary!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Resa. Have the best day.

      Reply
  36. Swamigalkodi Astrology

    Amazing!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you!

      Reply
  37. Garden Bliss

    Congratulations Mary on being included in the haiku anthology. Your poem captures that seasonal waiting for those magnificent uplifting colours. 🌸

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Flavia. I’m enjoying the new book. So many haikus that do promote tranquility by so many talented poets.

      Reply
  38. Swamigalkodi Astrology

    Nice read

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you.

      Reply
  39. PradP

    Your wait is over,Spring has spread its beauty,gifting colourful flowers. Poem is 👌👌👌❤

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It certainly has, Prad, and we are enjoying one of the most beautiful springs this year.

      Reply
  40. equipsblog

    Received my copy too and loved you written poems. 🩷🌹💞

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, and I enjoyed yours!

      Reply
      1. equipsblog

        Mutual admiration society. Loved your floral pictures.

        Reply
  41. spotlightchoices.com-C. Wilson

    Beautiful haiku and photos!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you! Happy Wednesday.

      Reply
      1. spotlightchoices.com-C. Wilson

        Have a great week!

        Reply
  42. Mindful Mystic (MM)

    A lovely reflection, Mary. Spring has sprung. Congrats and thanks for the links to the books. 🙏

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, MM. Hugs to you.

      Reply
  43. Kym Gordon Moore

    CONGRATULATIONS Mary on your inclusion for this anthology! Love your collection of beautiful flowers my friend. Happy Wednesday to you as it looks like you stopped and smelled the roses, the tulips, and poppies. Ahhh, the essence of Spring! 🌷🌻💐🌼🌺

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Happy Friday, Girlfriend. Let’s do the happy, spring dance.

      Reply
      1. Kym Gordon Moore

        Yes girl, the happy dance it is! 💃🏼🎶💃🏻 Happy Friday to you too my dear Mary! Cheers and hugs! 😍💖😊

        Reply
  44. mistermaxxx08

    New freshness within the soul. Very stunning and depth of faith and the clear warmth

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you dear Mister Maxxx.

      Reply
      1. mistermaxxx08

        The best always to you

        Reply
  45. Swamigalkodi Astrology

    Sublime

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you!

      Reply
  46. Beth Foster

    Lovely Mary 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Beth. Blessings to you.

      Reply
  47. Eternity

    Thanks for your like of my post, “Ezekiel 36;” you are very kind. Also, I love your voice recordings that you put within your articles; I could listen to you speak everyday.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you.

      Reply
      1. Eternity

        You are always very welcome.

        Reply
  48. Edward Ortiz

    Wonderful, Mary, and the photos from Cantigny are beautiful.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Edward. All the best to you.

      Reply
  49. Swamigalkodi Astrology

    Great Read

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you.

      Reply
  50. destiny

    beautifully captured, Mary…🤍

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Destiny. Blessings to you.

      Reply
  51. Amy

    Ahh… “Like fireworks, blooms burst bright”. So very beautiful, Mary!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Amy. I’m happy you liked the poem.

      Reply
  52. Willie Torres Jr.

    Mary, this is beautiful! Your words capture exactly what I’ve been longing for, sunshine, color, and the joy of new life. Spring can’t come fast enough… 🌸🌞🐦

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Spring is incoming, for sure. Thank you, Willie.

      Reply
  53. gustavo_horta

    Adorei, minha amiga virtual!

    Abraço grande e fraterno. Receba as bênçãos universais, abundantes e permanentes. Saiba compartilhá-las.

    As bênçãos são para todos nós que precisamos aceitá-las e, acima de tudo ficarmos muito obrigados a dividir, doar, compartilhar.

    Neste aspecto sou devedor. Mesmo me esforçando não consigo compartilhar com a intensidade com a qual as recebo.

    Abraço grande e fraterno.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Obrigada, querido Gustavo. Você é muito gentil.

      Reply
  54. Nancy Ruegg

    Such beautiful photos, Mary! You especially caught my attention when you mentioned Winfield, IL. My family lived in Aurora until I was ten, and then we moved to Wheaton. Haven’t been back in decades, but of course the memories glow bright through my rose-tinted glasses!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Oh, Nancy! Come and visit Cantigny Garden if you’re in the area. It’s always beautiful. Thank you for commenting. I appreciate you.

      Reply
  55. LaDonna Remy

    Mary, this is a lovely poem and the photos are gorgeous. Congratulations on your publication.

    Have a wonderful week.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, LaDonna. What a beautiful name you have.

      Reply
      1. LaDonna Remy

        Thank you, Mary. I hope you have a wonderful evening.

        Reply
  56. Anonymous

    Thank you for the beautiful poem and photos! They light up my screen.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for your kind words!

      Reply
  57. The Introverted Bookworm

    Congrats on your publication! The poem and beautiful flowers are so uplifting. 🦋🌻🌷

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Ada. How are things in Scotland?

      Reply
      1. The Introverted Bookworm

        Things are good here, thanks, Mary! I’m enjoying the better weather and emergence of Spring, at last! 🦋 Hope you are keeping well 🌸🌷

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          Great. Have a fabulous day, Ada.

          Reply
  58. Lincol Martín

    It is a simple, but very evocative poem that reminds us how the cycles of nature reflect, in a way, our own emotional cycles. 👏🤗

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for reflecting on my poem, Lincol. Bless you.

      Reply
  59. spotlightchoices.com-C. Wilson

    Enjoyed poem and vibrant photos!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, and best wishes to you.

      Reply
      1. spotlightchoices.com-C. Wilson

        You’re welcome!

        Reply
  60. da-AL

    thanks for the lovely uplift!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      My pleasure, da-Al. Have a great day.

      Reply
      1. da-AL

        You too!

        Reply
  61. Rebecca Cuningham

    Wonderful spring blooms and spring poem.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Rebecca!

      Reply
  62. jeanvivace

    Very beautifully performed poem!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I appreciate your comment, Jean.

      Reply
  63. gc1963

    Lovely pics and poem

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Geeta. Have a wonderful week.

      Reply

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