Spring Beauties
Claytonia virginica
Prim pink pinstripes beckon from the wet soil beside the creek. But like most beauties, they’re choosy about their suitors, unmoved except by just the right bee visiting in just the right order: one day they hokey- poke their stamens out; the next, it’s the pistel’s turn. Petals close even for a cloud. And when flowering’s done, they do their best to pass for grass. Who wouldn’t be wary with such a large & edible heart?
This is the first of what I hope will be a series of poems about spring wildflowers native to eastern North America, in response to macro photos by naturalist and blogger Jennifer Schlick. Even though Jennifer calls herself WinterWoman, and I’m quite fond of the season too, I figure a few of you might be ready to think spring thoughts…