MORE HOLLYHOCKS

by Linda Malm

I’ve looked at hollyhocks too long, 

fallen into shades of sunrise petals.

Touched lime hearts though lover 

bees revel in puffs of pollen, 

swarm until each blossom hums.

First frost. Petals wilt and furl. 

Colors deepen. scratchy leaves

curl and rust, but brown button 

cases form along old stalks. Seeds

packed tight as bankrolled pennies.