BOTANISTS

Sometimes, they don’t even leave the car park.
Waylaid by ruderals, the party stops
to hoist aloft their finer points; there’s talk
of Stace and variable phenotypes.
Sometimes, the flower hasn’t read the book
and foliage is pressed between the leaves
of Poland for a later, longer look;
stigmas are present, but the style deceives.
Always, there is difference and debate,
niceties to stimulate the knowing,
young, and necessary disbeliever;
so, heads down, with mysteries at their feet,
slowly they turn their keys upon this Kingdom,
green and growing, going on forever.

Previously published in BSBI News 122 (2013)