The Sunflower

I sowed three seeds in early spring

To begin their early life in pots

Hoping one at least would sprout

Within five days two tender shoots

Broke through the soil

And when six inches tall

The stronger was selected

For planting out and staking

To secure against the wind

This most vigorous of annual plants

Grew apace at inches day on day

Until it towered to eight feet tall

By July its golden head burst forth

Turning to follow the progress of the sun

As it traversed the summer sky

Its flower replicating in form and colour

Our nearest star

But by August its vibrant colour faded

Its brief glory had all too short a span

That once proud and golden crown

Now drooping and dulled by  fading  hues

Laying bare an abundant seed head

To feed the birds and squirrels

And provide the embryos

For next year’s sowing

When the sunflower

Will delight again