Winter Garden Magazine January 2015 | Page 41

Local artist A fter dividing the last four years between his native Pennsylvania and Florida, Ron Yazinski and his wife Jeanne have recently become permanent residents of Winter Garden. A retired high school English teacher, Ron is inspired by the personalities and energies of his new hometown.  Initially enticed by the climate of central Florida, he finds the hospitality and openness of the people who live in this marvelous little town, refreshing and rejuvenating. Ron’s poems have appeared in many journals, including Strong Verse, The Edison Literary Review, Chantarelle’s Notebook, Centrifugal Eye, and Pulsar. He is also the author of the chapbook HOUSES: AN AMERICAN ZODIAC, and two volumes of poetry, SOUTH OF SCRANTON and KARAMAZOV POEMS. PATH OF LIFE GARDEN SUNSET ON LAKE APOPKA (For Maria) In the cloistered shadows of massive oaks, Where azalias and camellias sip light, A brick meditation walk Knots itself into a lazy eight, As a taint of gold is added to Venetian glass Burning it to the deepest red, The smoke of a swamp fire near Clermont, Turns the setting sun into a glowing ruby. The symbol of eternity. On this path of reflection, A young woman, furled in a loose sweat suit Pauses, then steps. Even the alligators turn their knobby eyes to look. The shore birds, herons and ibises, Glide from one stand of rushes to another For a better angle. Because she moves so slowly, Her mo ٕ