Category Archives: Flora

Phytolacca Icosandra (Pokeweed)

My phone identifies the volunteerthat colonized the space beside the gateas Phytolacca Icosandra: queer,gigantic, berried, bending from the weightof rainfall. I see birds appreciatethe fruit, but it’s no food our species loves.The common name is Pokeweed, and its fatewill be … Continue reading

Posted in Flora, Home, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Warm Day Walk

I walk to buy the sour gummy bearsdescendants like, and frozen things for mebefore predicted heat can rise, while air’sstill cool and crowds have reached no quantity.The weight’s in vest and pack; my arms are free,and I examine gardens as … Continue reading

Posted in Family, Flora, Neighborhood, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Like Dogwood

I notice Berkeley dogwoods every year,when they put forth their multitudes of bloom.My brother said they cannot flourish here(our air’s too damp, there’s insufficient roomfor roots to find the needed pedosphere),but I don’t see impending any doom.Today I aim to … Continue reading

Posted in Flora, Neighborhood, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Pruned

Chaotic as that photograph appears,my gard’ner spent last week almost a dayengaged with rake and bucket, broom and shears,and filled two bins with what he cleared away.A neighbor planned and planted it ten yearsago, and now the yard’s a lush … Continue reading

Posted in Flora, Home, Poetry, Weather | Tagged | Leave a comment

A Happy Text

I’m pleased to read a message from the manwho comes when he has time and when I needsome garden help. I tend it as I can,but lack the tools and heart to prune and weedas much as necessary. Bushes seedabundantly … Continue reading

Posted in Flora, Home, Poetry, Weather | Tagged | Leave a comment

Some Minutes Before Sunrise

Inspired by the outside solar light,still on at 5 am, amid tall weeds,and knowing I’d the cart to haul, despiteagreement with the neighbors, what succeedsis topping off the compost bin with seedsand stems and leaves of rangy volunteers,and wheeling to … Continue reading

Posted in Flora, Home, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Presentation

Cut flowers haven’t charmed me for a while;they seem an offering that’s bound to die.Perhaps it’s how she lifted them – that smileof affection, toddler-voicing “hi,”but I was glad to take them into mysmall place. I may be entering a … Continue reading

Posted in Aging, Family, Flora, Poetry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Lush

Abundant as the garden is right now,some pruning will be necessary soon.I love the look but thought I’d need a plowto get from gate to door this afternoon.I don’t want a machete – that’s not howto remedy this glut of … Continue reading

Posted in Flora, Home, Poetry, Weather | Tagged | Leave a comment

Florassortment

Wisteria compressed by tarpish shade,and every year delayed by trees that stealthe sun, is budding now. And what’s displayedare blossoms in two colors. Purple’s realand white is genuine, for something madea plant bear both, or maybe set to healin time … Continue reading

Posted in Flora, Home, Poetry, Weather | Tagged | Leave a comment

Immaturity

The buds are obviously immature,containing promises of heavy weight.Their petals tight as onion skin are sureto grow apart, send perfume toward the gate,and lose deep pink for solid yellow lureto bees and butterflies – such is their fate.Their growth is … Continue reading

Posted in Flora, Home, Poetry, Weather | Tagged | Leave a comment