Amy Kitchener's Angels Without Wings Foundation
Presents The 2008 Arizona Senior Poet Laureate

Carrie Backe

CARRIE BACKE, 66, Payson, Arizona is a retired teacher, book editor and bookstore owner. She and her husband enjoy traveling by motorhome. She says, “I find sources for my poetry in all the beautiful scenery of the places we visit in this wonderful country of ours.” Her sign is Aquarius.

BOUQUET OF YEARS


What armful of flowers
Could be more lovely,
Or sweet-smelling,
Than a bouquet of years?

You close your eyes and
Thrust your nose into
Its fragrant memories,
So many in full, joyous bloom.
Some fading,
A few with fragile brown
Edges.

Some among them
Awakening buds
Ready to unfold and add to
The surprise and
Beauty of the
Bouquet.
Carrie Backe
Payson, Arizona