Snow plant

(Sarcodes sanguinea)

O snow plant, growing right and sudden
     in the middle of the trail,

O pulp-red flowers, bright as Christmas,
     O saprophytic explosion,

botanical grenade at my feet,
     is this what you do to gain our attention?

I see you near and far in the forest,
     shy to the ground but wanting everyone

to know that winter is leaving
     this bare stage, your pop-up art.

                                —Sequoia National Park