Colorado Dove

No cowboys sport their spurs like Columbines:
the proud state flower Rocky Mountain Blue
by mountain meadows, cliffs and ancient mines
distends to drink of Colorado dew.
The Common Wild Canadian Columbine's
five scarlet and yellow petals droop and nod,
as bee or hummingbird dips down and dines
in three-inch nectar spurs stretched up to God.
The yellow hybrid Longspur Columbines
have eight-inch spurs that hang as petals rise;
the Meadowrue, King of the Meadow shines,
as its pink tassel-like blossoms tantalize.
Columbine's from a Latin word--for dove,
a bloom--quite like that peaceful bird--for love.

                              -- by Pete Voelz          2002