Paul Willis

      Western Wallflower
(Erysimum capitatum)

Wallflower, if I knew how,
      I'd ask you to dance.
But here comes the breeze,
      and you do, all on your own,
orange and trembling.

               —Los Padres National Forest

      Vanilla Leaf
(Achlys triphylla)

Vanilla leaf, your white cones
      are what I need this afternoon.

So many of them, banked
      and ready, one

for every summer day
      until they melt into the fall.

               —Rockport State Park

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