GENUS ASCLEPIAS

Do you know me? You’ve seen me now and then

I perfume the air, blossoms clustered thus

Shades of plum, rose and cream; in field or fen

From regal butterfly, receive a buss

Behold my white blood, ooze from open wound

Latex to mend all ailing human hearts

Latin for “fluid.” Toxic. Most are doomed

Yet our namesake? Your Greek god, healing arts

Pods dehiscent, erupt this silken floss

Seeds borne on the wind, ‘neath autumnal sky

Tiny parachutes, argent glow of gloss

Perhaps to take root in sweet by and by

Do you know me? Then kindly speak my name

Fleshy. Fragrant. I’m hardly a plain-Jane

“A Fractured Shell” photo by Michael F. Bemis

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Michael F. Bemis explores the vibrant tapestry of his life as a veteran of the U. S. Navy, amateur photographer, and aspiring poet. A retired reference librarian, he had enriched library science through his unique annotated bibliography, Library and Information Science: A Guide to Key Literature and Sources, and his insightful book reviews published in esteemed journals such as American Reference Books Annual, Library Journal, Reference and User Service Quarterly, and other professional publications His poetry has previously appeared in the pages of “The Literary Hatchet,” “Levitate,” and “Cordite Poetry Review.” Now settled in Oakdale, Minnesota, with his wife Jill, Bemis continues to delve into the synergy of knowledge and creativity, embracing his dual roles as a scholar and artist while capturing the world’s beauty through photography and verse.