kangaroo paws

Reaching red
   and velvety paws
      a flower explodes
         in the morning sun--

a super nova—
   such a surprise--
      was not a crimson tube
         spectacular enough? 

Was another display
   required to
      justify its inclusion
         in God’s panoply of plants?

Of course, you
   are not necessary--
      you simply exist,
         and your existence 

declares the creator’s
   extravagance,
      blessing upon blessing,
         you star-burst

the bounds of
   ordinary beauty
      begging the question--
          why are my expectations so small? 

Liz McFadzean