Ode to Springtime
The columbine is on our minds
Now that spring is here;
Those blossoms drooping from their stalks
Could be a hound dog's ears.
The trout lily with upturned petals
Like a silly cap
Makes us think of Goober Pyle
(But who knows where he's at?)
The violet seems stuffed with air;
Sort of like a kite.
The bleeding hearts look sad.
The bloodroot's bled all white.
The bluebells look like little trumpets
From a fairy band,
The spring beauties like painted ladies
Hunting for a man.
The hepatica's a buttercup
With butter on its nose.
The coltsfoot is a universe
Exploding from below.
As for the rest, you'll have to guess,
We've told you all we know.
But here's a tip: the prickly ones
Are mighty like a rose.
Poem by KEVIN KITTREDGE
Photos by NATALEE WATERS
