Perennials

Underneath the crust

a quintessential presence

lies in wait, unseen.

Daffodil, jonquil.

A bulb by any other …

would smell as sweet. Yes?

Iris, your thin skin

sags gently and anon to

too-sweet vestiges.

Lily, for how long

have protein sources, tubers,

sustained our races?

Sepal, petal, style,

stamens, and yes, ovaries.

Bulbs bloom, flourishing.