Coral bells, for who do you ring?

Perched in my front garden under light shade.

Sentries to home and hearth.

Putting forth your music multiple times a year.

A repeating encore.

Announcing your entrance with the hum of bees and the flutter of butterfly wings.

***

Do you ring to welcome?

A victorious return home.

A weary walk back from the hot sun.

A frantic run for cover away from the rain.

A tired rest after meeting with family.

A ring to welcome the old and new inside.

***

Do you alarm to warn?

An unwanted salesman.

A new nurse that cares little for care.

A rushed dash to the car for a medical emergency.

A loose aggressive dog on the property.

An alarm to protect and try to prevent harm.

***

Do you chime for mourning?

Pets leaving to be surrendered or euthanized after illness never to return.

Loss of stability as chaos rocks the family.

The glint of an alcohol bottle being sequestered to the garage for hiding.

The tears in my eyes after returning from therapy.

A chime each time something important has been lost.

***

Or do you sound purely for nature?

The painted colors of the butterflies.

The hug of a fuzzy bee.

The coolness of the rich earth.

The soft wind that can knock your bells loose onto the ground if too rough.

Do you sound off just to be?