"Leave Nothing But Footprints"

Nob Hill Road, down south,
if you go, nearly all the way
past palm plantations

Lies a great botanical sanctuary in
which resides our natural heritage;
many wonderful things to be

Like a towering Champion Tree
reaching up toward clouds of heaven;
or the ol' live oak majestic.

Stylish peacocks parade iridescence;
though shouting loudly, no living being
dares disprove their dazzling beauty. 

And how lovely is it to be
a turtle basking in the sun;
an otter having swimming fun.

As for me I think I'd choose to
be a long legged coral flamingo;
days spent hanging 'round the pool

Perhaps white ibis sheltered
by foliage; desert rose in
the garden by the gazebo

Or stay just as I am this day;
a native sipping mango smoothie
in the vivid shade so soothing.