Mostly because I am lazy,
Partly because I love it,
I landscape with poke.

A native plant, it sprouts early and fast.
Green praying hands ‘poke’ up through neglected soil
Quickly rising above other ‘weeds’.

They say it is poisonous-
But it is also delicious-
The puffer fish of spring foraging.

It has established itself in the bed
Outside my westfacing kitchen window.
Its speedy, gangly growth provides welcome shade.

Large green leaves and red stems
Provide texture and color.
Small white flowers create purple berries

Enjoyed by birds who spread the seeds
And staining purple shit, to cars and lawn furniture.

Sensitive to cold, its season ends with the first frost
But, its roots remain, waiting for the next spring.