The Recluse

Toadflax and asters, nightshade and burrs,
These are the neighbors that my heart prefers.

Cowslip and birdfoot touch and flush pink--
spiderwort whispers and snapdragons wink.

Queen Anne’s lace lady, hair in a bun,
minxes with larkspur in the afternoon sun.

Milkweed and cockles, bluets so vain,
sour pink blackberries clean from the rain--

yes, I adore them, thistles and all,
for they never come visit - no, never at all!

(weeds are better than cats, and cats are better than Joneses)

Our wildflower backyard - jcp

Chicory morning, blue from the window,
red clover corners meet day-lily lines.

Finch-thistle thickets, brightest at midday,
uprightly scornful of shade-clinging vines.

Now doused in sun’s set, ablaze with fireflies,
clusters of asters are stars, or star-signs.