Palo Verde

Many out there might be

still calling it a yellow flower,

if they happen to lift their gaze,

from the phone screen.

I can’t.

I willed myself to learn its name,

Palo Verde,

Spanish for green trunk,

botanical name Parkinsonia florida,

a member of the legume family, Fabaceae,

a xerophyte.

Its green trunk is adaptation,

helping in photosynthesis

without losing water.

I notice its tiny leaves,

nectar-filled blossoms,

attracting pollinators by the scores.

I practice mindfulness,

komorebi, and hanami beneath.

I even forage the blossoms,

add in my diet.

That is how I strengthened,

my bond with nature,

and helped myself, my kids,

and anyone else interested

in the natural world.