Unnatural Order

In the natural order

breeze serves wind-loving flora

& long-billed hummingbirds

know where not to fly.

Free-willed solitary bees mostly visit

the insect-lovers that desire them

& pollinated flowers shift color

to switch the objects of their affection.

Milkweed-obsessed monarch butterfly larvae

unaware of toxins eaten

do not evangelize

on coming transformations.

Because weeds seem to yield the scene

to wildflower bouquet

& peril to quietly abide in

dragonfly daredevil dives.

For the natural order’s counterpoint

there can be no preparation,

no perfect pod-openings nor honeyed pollen,

no gradual apprenticeship.

In the unnatural order

blueberry bees aimlessly circle

what was once habitat to mourn

what once they buzz-pollinated

And when your tears secretly campaign

to reassert the order of things

in a steadying wildflower whorl of design

we are humbled within our tiny gardens.

for J | 17 July 2006