Wild Rose
Alberta’s provincial flower since 1930
My dress is frail and palest pink,
So delicate, my scent,
Before you try to pick me, think,
Or thorns will make a dent.
House Finch
I like to chatter in the trees,
And lecture those around,
But always end my talks with, “P-L-E-E-E-Z,
It’s not safe on the ground.”
Lily
This lily looks a bit like a Himalayan lily, or a lily of Nepal (except the Nepal lily has a slight green tinge to the white parts of the petals).
Lovely lily, scent so sweet,
But don’t sniff too close,
Tiny stamens with their feet,
Dab dust on your nose.
Quail
My name is Quentin, I’m a quail,
As harmless as can be,
I come for breakfast without fail,
Those seeds are all for me.
I call, “Toh-BACK-oh,” but don’t smoke,
To bring my friends to me,
And when there’s danger, run for broke,
My call of, “CHIP!” means, “Flee!”
Orchids
So many types and shapes of us,
Yet all of us are cool,
Romantics like to make a fuss,
Don’t want to seem a fool.
We make a loving, thoughtful gift,
Our stunning beauty heals,
Heartbroken lovers mend a rift,
How wonderful it feels.
Hawk
I think this is a broad-winged hawk. If anyone knows for sure, I’d be interested in your opinion.
I’m sitting on the railing
To scour the place for prey,
Can’t risk my eyesight failing,
Or I won’t eat today.
What’s that? You think I’m lying?
I’ve eaten well today?
Just sitting ’round, not trying?
My beak gave me away?
…Oops!
Common Columbine
A warning to the people’s pet,
If you decide to eat me,
Just don’t be shocked how sick you’ll get,
So leave me as you meet me.
*Disclaimer: I think hummingbirds are exempt from harm when they drink the nectar. I hope so anyway.
Crossbills
With crossing bills, I crack a seed,
The sunflowers are best,
It’s easy for me, there’s no need
To put it to the test.
But did you see, my lady fair,
How I hang upside down?
Why don’t you smile then, if you dare?
It isn’t nice to frown.
Oh, now I see the game you play,
As if we’ve never met,
You hardly deign to say good day,
You’re playing hard to get.
Clematis
I’m giving myself another challenge for the month of May:
A picture of a bird or a flower with a short poem to go with it.
Don’t expect fancy poetry. It’s just for fun.
wordsfromanneli 