On a partly sunny day
in the pine flatwoods;
I'm carrying, not wearing,
tinted sunglasses
That's because I so want to see
everything that grows here
as clearly as possible
in original color.
(There aren't many creatures visible
due to midday heat, but a friendly frog
hops to greet me in the parking lot.)
Beautyberries, purply pretty
as always, pink periwinkle,
palmetto understory,
all kinds of viny things
White peacocks; Coco Plums,
lots and lots! I'm 95% sure the fruits
are safe for eating, but just in case,
I resist partaking of these.
Anyways, the swamp bay leaves smell
aromatically spicy; and big yellow butterflies,
from time to time, appear in the sky
Along the gravel trail,
jumbo dragonflies,
'pipecleaner' pines.
Distracted by coffee berries' red,
I nearly walk right into a web,
eye to eye with the spider.
I'm thankful for the wind of this day
blowing from offshore, as further I explore;
thin leaves and round green cones
of pond-cypresses, starrush whitetops
Five foot high reeds, water lilies;
only thing I didn't see's the
giant gopher tortoise of last winter
--- I s'pose he must be hiding
Honorable mention
Adding your comment:
WHat a wonderful place you have taken your readers. 
Thank you 
