Bright yellow petals march
around an amber core, 
itself an intricate
pattern of future selves.

They float atop tall
stems with green leaves.
Together, they gently shift to
track the movement of the sun.

Perky young blossoms
face out, then with the
weight of development,
the elders droop and look down.

The grown, full-size seeds
will drop from the darkened center
to the ground – unless a 
goldfinch finds them and dines.

This year’s sunflower patch
was gifted to us by 
the messy eating habits
of the birds we feed.

It has been a delightful
spot of joy to observe.
I wonder if it will be even
more glorious next year.