Wildflowers

I don’t know the names of all the wildflowers I’ve seen.

Oh, I know the poppy;

And the buttercup and daisy.

I can recognize the California Iris.

And you taught me the difference

Between wild celery and poison hemlock.

I thrilled at discovering Indian paintbrush

And I know wild radish, be it purple or white.

Each day I see more and more old friends;

And if I’m very watchful,

Something new I’ve never focused on before.

We may consult one another, or look in a book;

But deep inside I know what is true:

I’ll never be able to know them all.