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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