Helianthus at Night      for Vilma Mendillo

Sunflowers at night still blaze,

But do not seek the moon;

That's only reflected light,

Not an origin, not something

Risking blindness.

Sunflowers at night don't

Close up shop, their petals

Still sharp with yellows-- cadmium,

Chrome-- and the touches between

Rayed florets and seedhead,

Are creased for slumbering bees.

Be a sunflower at night

Awake in numbing darkness,

Your namesake Helios

Is hiding on his rounds,

Be a source of radiance

Ascendant

Laura Stickney 2022

Notes:

Helianthus-- Sunflowers; their blooms 

turn toward the sun.

Cadmium, chrome-- Yellow colors

Rayed florets-- petals

Helios-- Greek sun god

photograph by Laura Stickney