ODE TO BLACK IRIS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ebon bud swells, unfurls
Cannot contain
A passion of purple

Whose sinuous curves
Trace forbidden desire
Wild, yet discreet.

Eager tongues of it
Savor luscious hues
Of eggplant, plum and wine

As gossamer skin
Its cool, velvet sheen
Seduces eyes and touch.

Like a midnight tryst
This stolen moment
Sates a yearning soul

Then, etched in mind’s eye
Yields to memory
Wilts and falls.

TAKEN ABACK BY SUMAC – A Passion of Color

Rising once more to primal needs, 

An ardent cycle of color and life begins.

Velvet sumac stems blush with spring's pulsing anticipation.

Color upwells, swells, engorges deep crimson summer's fruit,

Then explodes in avid seeds, strewn in fall

Through leafy cries of red and orange.