w i l d f l o w e r s

Gracefully flourishing beneath jagged peaks

a painted valley gently sways;

wild blossoms dancing in the breeze–

alpine ornaments on display.

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Colorado Columbine, in a coat

of blue and pristine white,

mingle among bright yellow Sunflowers–

adorning petals follow the light.

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Wild Roses splay the valley–

fragrant arrays of soft pink hues.

Grama Grasses flutter, wisps of emerald

topped in shades of blue.

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Scarlet Indian Paintbrush

add pops of ruby among the green.

Lupine’s elongated clusters of violet-blue

compliment the reddish flowers of Fireweed.

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Purple Milkvetech’s brilliant banners

wave to the rhythm of the valley–

alongside Wild Alfalfa, Crested Wheatgrass,

and the rouge-tipped Foxtail Barley.

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Giant billows of white Dandelions

weave puffs of softness through the scene,

contrasting spiny florets of Tansy Asters

atop their stalks of green.

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Droves of dazzling Heart Leaf Arnica

radiate love through golden hues–

among the bursting white splendor of Wild Yarrow,

and pink anthers of Meadow-rue.

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Fragrant Sumac’s red drupes line the edges

where meadow melds into rugged trees–

in the company of Gamble Oak,

Chokecherry, and Wild Raspberries.

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The sweet vibration of life

spreads the colorful vision into the sky–

as gifts of the valley entice the locals:

Bumblebees, Hawk Moths, Hummingbirds, and Butterflies.

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Fragrant floral aromas fill the air,

wildflowers twirl and grasses bend–

as the vibrant valley dances worshipfully

to the song of alpine winds.

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Inspiration for this poem blew in on the wild floral breeze while hiking the gorgeous Blue Lakes Wilderness trail. It is my absolute favorite hike in Colorado, below the peak of my absolute favorite mountain in Colorado, Mt. Sneffels (San Juan Mountain Range). This particular forest fills my cup like no other.

Enjoy a little musical love while you take a mini virtual vacation and scroll some images from the hike that inspired this piece:

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I was able to identify most of the flowers I saw, but this guide by Mary Menz and Jim Pisarowicz helped me with the rest: