Sunflower, Like a bowl You catch sunshineAnd serve it fresh to usTrapped inside our houses  By the cold. Sunflower,Your petalsImitate the sunRays in primary red Straight from a Crayon boxTo our eyes. Sunflower,You give usGreen of summer, Yellow of sunrise, orange Of fruit from a southern clime,Purple of sunset.

My father's hands,Like his heart, like his voice,I know them;I would recognize them in any room of handsWithout voices or faces.Those hands heldMy hand when I was afraid,Gave comfort when I was sick,Fed me when I was hungry,Gripped an axe that splitWood to warm me;Tied flies, baited many a hook.Cast a rod for rainbow troutPulled on canoe... Continue Reading →

 Purple, Princely, ProfusePropagated around the world;This plant gives us sweet deep red juice,Rosy wine, table grapes, raisins, jellies and jams.Even the seed's oil is curative and good;Leaves for wrapping, cooking, picklingVines for wicker baskets.Plant that replants itselfSpreads clinging with woody tendrilsShies back in the winterSprings up in the first days of summerA gift from GodA wonderful plentiful... Continue Reading →