Elderberry

The name of the bush did not resonate with me until I got it home and opened the trunk of the car (Yes, I*m Still Driving!).(Thank you for asking).  It is named Black Lace and it has intense purple-black foliage, finely-cut, similar to a Japanese Maple.  It can be pruned in a formal way, or used as a privacy hedge.  See? What did I tell you?   Elder and Graceful and Elegant.  And saucy enough to grab me by the ankle, and make me take it home.

The last elderberry bush

In the whole nursery

Leapt and grabbed my ankle

Tripped me to the ground.

I had to buy it.

Now I need to find

Where it will live

In the yard.

I think its name

Is no surprise:

The elder part.

All the same it is graceful

And elegant,

Two things I have always

Wanted to be.

Despite appearances

I have coveted grace

And elegance

While not being willing

To give up comfortable shoes

And garden dirt

Under my nails.

I have desired boundless grace

Effortless elegance.

I will plant the bush

Where it will bloom pink

Provide fruit for the birds

In full sight

Of the dining room window.

Grace and elegance are good things

To witness daily.