Heidi Shuler

Papery triplicate –

petals, sepals, leaves,

thrice each – blowing

flutters your beauty.

Woodland charm

white crowns

that quell the forest dark,

who would guess

we owe the ants

thanks for your propagation, for

bringing your ovary tunnelling home?

Ant supper, and the seed of you

cast away. You heart is eager to

germinate.

Little wake-robin

you squirm to blossom

as your woodland neighborhood

hibernates.

Oh give me a tiny

bead from a rattle

to leave in the dust.

Could be

the very best part of me

is overlooked

until I’m gone.

White flowers are best

to hold

the evening light.