American Mayapple
Podophyllum peltatum
Groves over moist, rich shade,
They dot the forest,
Umbrellas dappled with fragments of sky.
I peer into their secrets.
Mayapples.
A forest beneath the forest.
Here I can believe
In the dance of fairies.
Under a canopy
Of days aglow
Graced by a blossom sun.
I know what you mean about believing in magic. Once walking through Muir Woods I could almost imagine a Dwarf or an Elf wandering from the trees. I was in a trance.
ReplyDeleteFaeries tend to be mischievious, so don't make eye contact if you happen upon them.
ReplyDeleteLike all beauty, there is danger in that delight.
ReplyDeleteJackt, I'm overrun with fairies! My daughters just love Barbie Fairytopia. In fact, my younger daughter wants to be a fairy when she grows up.
ReplyDeleteScott, those moments are something to tuck away when you need a little magic in your life.
Flood, I can attest to that fact with my daughters! (See above.)
Bernita, yes, the plant is very toxic, except for the ripe "apple," which I have tasted, BTW. It's rather bitter.
I believe in fairies. They live in my woods. :)
ReplyDeleteNice photo,Jason. I've found some pretty nice and tasty morel mushrooms hiding under those. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd no, in case anyone wonders, I didn't see any fairies or elves after I ate the mushrooms. They aren't that kind. :)
Very lovely, Jason! You make me sigh. ;D
ReplyDeleteBeadinggalinMS, don't tell anyone where they are. Keep them secret. ;)
ReplyDeleteJeff, I have no luck with the morels. That's a great find! In my forest, I've done better with oyster and honey mushrooms, boletes, and even a bear tooth mushroom.
Kelly, if a visit here gives you a moment of escape, then I've accomplished what I set out to do. :)
jeff, i know what you're talking about. as soon as i saw the mayapple, i thought morels! hehe. that was always a sign that mushrooms could be nearby and ready to be picked. also if elm leaves were as big as a squirrel's ear.
ReplyDeletevery nice photo and poem, jason.
I've often wondered where fairies would live, and yes I do believe you're right. They would live under May Apples.
ReplyDeleteAnne, you and Jeff have got me itching to get back up there!! Morels under the Mayapples, huh. What time of year? I'm assuming as soon as they're up, before they've bloomed. I probably missed them.
ReplyDeleteMom of All Seasons, there are a few plants that seem to be soul of the forest incarnate. This is one of them. I hope to share a few of the others.
Giggles, you must have so much fun! I imagine it's a ton of work to practice, though.
Lovely, Jason!
ReplyDeletejason, yep. as soon as the mayapples are up. it's more a sign of the time being right. i have found some morels around mayapples, but they are more likely to be found around fallen, decayed trees. about three weeks ago i dreamed that i found a huge ...mess as some people say. :D i think that's pronounced may-es.
ReplyDeleteYour layers make a delicious sandwich, almost edible:)
ReplyDeleteI wish I could always believe in the dance of fairies.
ReplyDeleteVery nice, yet again :)
Melissa, thanks, my friend. :)
ReplyDeleteAnne, yeah, I thought so. I missed the bonanza. Damn. (BTW, if I found a truckload of morels under the mayapples, I think I'd make a may-es in my pants!)
Mermaid, thank you! I know that as many layers as I weave, you'll find even more. That's a great skill you have.
Claire, sometimes the desire is enough to taste what it's like to truly believe. But ultimately I can't escape who I am. For me, the ground and the air are for logic and the observable. Art is for flights of fancy.
ReplyDeleteHow I missed reading your blog.
ReplyDeleteUmbrellas dappled with fragments of sky.
How beautiful. The image acquires fresh beauty when draped with your words.
Thanks for sharing :)
Sury, when I hear you talk about it, I can feel you standing next to the scene enjoying the day. I'm happy to share it with you! :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and Magical
ReplyDelete