Rare Cactus

At the beginning of March, my family and I visited the Philadelphia Flower Show on one of the last nights of its run. Strange now to think about wandering the Convention Center with crowds of other people to admire the natural world. And admire we did — the extravagantly designed sets incorporating all types of flora, the miniature worlds of plants behind glass, and oh, the incredible varieties of award-winning orchids! One could spend an entire weekend just looking. It felt exhilarating to be reminded of the living beings with whom we share our world and the sheer diversity that exists on Earth. This funny-looking cactus caught our eye amidst the endless display of succulents.

Inland

All day
the wind rushes
hard like the ocean
beating its way
through choked 
leaves on the
highest trees 
I imagine 
I am by the sea
and discern
rolling waves
in the dark
gathering black sand
through the undertow
and the shush
of receding waters
over the bark
of neighbors' dogs
is the moon's
departure

Window Sill Life

These days, I often sit behind a windowsill full of plants in the room we call “The Hermitage” when I need to work alone. Some of these green breathing beings are ones that I have rescued from my classroom after being allowed back one last time before who knows when. They have lived tenaciously through the trials and tribulations of indoor recess this year. Some have grown impressively tall, especially for having hung on by a thread in a sixth grade classroom, and for having had me (a green thumb opposite) as their caretaker. I’ve had some faithful little student helpers, however, who have tended to their growth and well-being all year. Helping them survive and thrive — that’s the goal.