Deadly flora

As the snow melts away
and the rains
have ceased their gloomy days-
Mother Nature rewards us
with her bountiful blooms
all on display-
but take heed of her wares
so wantonly displayed
for she is as deadly
as beautiful-
so as you trod out amongst
wood and field
look but don't touch
for caressing her wares
may be the last thing
you do...
-
Sweet Mountain Laurel
such a lovely bush!
with its clusters of white and pink
it brings sugar plums to mind-
but alas not so sweet
although it attracts bees
the honey it will yield
will bring you to your knees...
-
If you are larking about
like a woodland sprite
steer clear of the Bloodroot-
with its dainty white flowers
carpeting the forest grounds
you may be tempted to lay down
for its also known as
"sweet slumber"
I don't know how sweetly
you'll be sleeping
when you are a-keeping
in a pine box
six feet down...
-
If you are feeling like royalty
the Aconitum is your choice-
with its deep purple hue-
when the Aleutians
were whaling
their harpoons went sailing
coated with its deadly dose-
it goes by many names
such as;
Monkshod, Wolfsbane, Devils Helmut,
and Blue Rocket-
although it is part of the buttercup family
I see no sweetness in this-
so whatever name you pick
they will all make you sick
I think I will
just keep walking on-
-
If you want to end a life quickly
your number one choice
would be the Hemlock Water Dropwort
commonly mistaken as
parsley or parsnip-
invite them for dinner
in a pot you can simmer
one heck of a surprise
it will be their last meal,
so make it a big deal
by sealing their fate
by what they just ate...
-
Last but not least
on this deadly write
is the stunning Nerium Oleander-
all of this beauty
is toxic
strangely oft found
on school grounds
I ponder the consequences
of those in charge
of that-
take heed when you cozy up
to roast a marshmallow or two
for even its branches
will make you sick
as you toast
your life together...
-
There are so many others
just as deadly
in Mother Natures' beautiful arsenal
all there for the taking
all there for the killing
so think twice
before you pluck
that lovely bloom
for it really could be
the bringer of doom...