Lion's Tooth

3855 Health Sciences Dr.
La Jolla, CA 92039-0658

858/822-6868

858-822-3449 FAX

shickman@ucsd.edu

Born of seed and sun and water,
Gardener’s unwanted squatter.
Standing tall in turf unwanted,
Spreading mane in wind, undaunted.

Proud, defiant, lion’s tooth,
Silver sphere obscures the truth.
Transient form made most of space,
Delicate as spider’s lace.

Gold rosette to last salute,
Ultimate heavenward pursuit.
Held within its radiant form,
The seeds of birth called to perform.

The earth pulls body to its rest,
But not before it sheds its best.
Letting wind pull what it wants,
It won’t let go just yet, it taunts.

Eternal bond of host and guest,
Ends with a tug for what seems best.
The parent yearns for lost offspring,
As each pod lofts and takes to wing.

Freedom felt on strength of breeze,
Mighty gust or strangled wheeze.
Traveler flies in full retreat,
Or falls forthwith at father’s feet.

Soil wraps in moist embrace,
Transforming with a nuanced grace.
The end of one is now beginning,
Losing life is also winning.

Hold this fierce lion in your hands,
For all the world it still commands.
Death and birth are held in one.
Starting melds with being done.

Embrace the uninvited greenery,
For all it brings to living scenery.
Be careful what you call the weeds,
When cursing where you’ve sown your seeds.