POP

Beside my cement blocks,
I’m huddled, all so fascinated
with the ferns. It’s their spores
and the tell-a-tale signs of water.
I imagine it’s cool there. I’d hide
away into the cool fertile soil 
and there I’d be whole and safe.
I’d need not, want not, but be… something of importance
hidden safely in its gametophyte, in its little green heart.

I like spores. I like, I think, eastern red cedar trees. 
The golden, hidden in the blue, and their spores exposed
in the spring and popping. Popping after a warm spring rain.
teliospores, perfect, popping. 
Saying, “Hello, I’m here. 
Happy Me! SEE Me! I’m LOVELY!”

The trillion of Spores exploding, PUFF, from Giant puffballs, 
the Calvatia GIGANTEA! Bursting upwards in plumes of smoke screaming,
 “We matter! In all of this! Look at us! We matter!”
“Wind and Storm may erupt us but we are our strength.” 
 PUFF, I am in that strength. 

                                                                            POP by          Lira Wren

Botanical Name: Calvatia Craniiformis

From my property inspiring my poem

POP!

Confidence and beauty are hidden in nature everywhere —
no matter why or how you’ve hidden yours,
Celebrate you —you are too rare and beautiful
to stay hidden in fields, forest edges, or lost in open meadows, let yourself out

POP! —and show the world, you!

If you’re ready to share leave a comment, but do sign up for my newsletter and come write with me, Lira Wren. Oh, and on the way, pop by the shop for a journal, a water bottle, or a phone stand — little reminders that it’s always okay to be you, just as you are.