Around her neck

hang Oriental Cherry glasses.

They magnify Daisies, Peonies… Lilies

in her heaven – sky-lined by Mountains,

Dwarf Mugo, Swedish Aspen & Pine.

Her smile warms to Delphiniums

in a Sunflower’s afternoon.

A Bleeding Heart of Old Gold.

She knows – her flowers like children

bloom with love.

Her Dogwood hands are sturdy

like Oregon Grape.

The soil planted –

she makes a home – for Vine Maples, Daffodils,

Astilbe, Creeping Phlox and Cannulas.

In wizened words, she roots

the Russian Sage and Red Grass.

Yet, she is the Star-Gazer Lily

growing in the hidden valley

of the Ponderosa Pines.