Have you taken notice of me?
Have you ever paid me all your attention?
I wait for you, rain-drunk under the fronds of Ostrich Ferns
or leaning against the base of Swamp Oaks or Sitka Spruces
or clinging to granite, upholstery for exposed bedrock.
Perhaps the chattering Marsh Wren has led you to me.
Perhaps you’ve followed a haphazard trail of Gooseberries.
Have you felt me between your toes as you walked barefoot in the woods?
Would you lay your head upon my green pillow and fall asleep and dream
of me glistening and iridescent as a slow spring rain drips from the sky?
Have you reckoned my expanse, the entire sphere of my influence,
the answers to why? Would you go so far as to learn all my names?
I am Fringe Moss and Horntooth Moss and Pincushion Moss.
I’m Shaggy Moss, with a personality not unlike that of Scooby’s friend.
I’m Dwarf Haircap Moss, and you might imagine contrarious dwarves
tromping through the woods, wearing me to cover their bald pates.
I’m Ribbed Bog Moss because I can be found in ribbed bogs
or because I provide the decorative green ribbing for bogs.
I’m Springy Turf Moss, which you jump on, gently,
after asking permission, as if I were a trampoline.
I’m Rigid Beard Moss, who scratches and prickles
when you bend to give me a soft kiss on the cheek.
I’m Mood Moss – caress me and watch me blush and sensitively withdraw.
I’m Heath Star Moss, but you must crawl through the forest duff
and sprawl to get close enough to see my diminutive albino flowers.
I’m Shiny Seductive Moss – because once you know me
who can resist heeding the lovesong of their bodies.
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