Gifts of Asclepias Syriaca

Milkweed the common variety
pushes through the sod appearing first
as hands reaching upward in prayer

Soon they spread welcoming
Monarch migrants whose larvae
will munch here then depart

pocked leaves to decorate other
weeds with their jade-like chrysalids

Remaining blossoms offer nectar to
butterflies fragrant beauty to me

By Sanny Oberhauser
May 2007