Spring makes me wish for a more powerful macro lens.

I want to capture all of the delicate splendor of the yard as it wakes from winter.

I use words like “corolla” and “calyx” in poems,

and name characters after weeds and wildflowers.

Henbit and Purple Deadnettle.

Speedwell and Dandelion.

Spring is the only time of year when I truly love ants.

As I follow ants with my camera, I find other treasures.

When carpenter bees emerge, my imagination becomes airborne.

I stalk our carpenter bees with both macro and long-focus lenses.

Long-focus lenses let me stalk the yard’s other visitors, too.

But I always return to the macro lens, yearning to be closer.

Publication note: On March 2nd, my poem “On Losing the Old Dog” posted at Autumn Sky Poetry Daily, which is one of my favorite poetry sites. Many thanks to editor Christine Klocek-Lim!