FERNS

I LIKE FERNS

I LIKE THEIR OPENNESS

THEIR GRACEFUL LINES

HOW THEY SURVIVE

IN GOOD OR BAD CONDITIONS

NO CONVOLUTED FLOWER SHAPE

NO PISTILS

STAMENS

SIMPLE IN SHAPE

COMPLEX IN DESIGN

THEIR DESIGN SHAPE IS CALLED VASE

LIKE A BUNCH OF CUT FLOWERS

IN A CONTAINER

A FRIEND OF MINE

KNEW I LIKED FERNS

SO SHE DUG

AND PLANTED

A GARDEN OF THEM

STANDING OVER THEM WHEN SHE FINISHED

SWEATY

DIRT STREAKED

SHE SAID

I HOPE THEY LIVE

WHETHER THEY GO TO DUST

AS ALL MUST

THE KINDNESS OF HER ACT

IS LIKE A CANDLE IN A DARK PLACE

IT MAKES THE NIGHT LESS FRIGHTENING

ITS GLOW MAKES ONE FEEL WARM

IT MAKES A MEMORY

TO CHERISH

AND LOVE

FRANK A VOLLMER

WITH THANKS TO PAM

WHO DUG THE GARDEN