Flame Acanthus

 

By John I. Blair

A spray of bright green leaves,
Arrow-shaped,
Adorned by tiny scarlet trumpets

They seem designed (and maybe are)
As magnets to the passing hummingbirds
(Who work their long, fantastic path
From Canada to Costa Rica
Every week in autumn).

At just the perfect size and form
For tiny thrusting tongues
Each flower lasts a single day

Then drops to ground
As if exhausted.
To be replaced by more
Until December frosts
Chase their whirring fans away.

©2023 John I. Blair

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