Mantilla Poppy

Mantilija Poppy
disguises herself
as a fried egg
sunny side up
with broad white petals
circling a yolky yellow center.

You are the very essence
of spring, Mantilija.
Assertive, persistent
you spread your tendrils
indiscriminately
through every
unoccupied
inch of dirt
in the garden

undermining
the innocent annuals,
overtaking
the low slung
perennials.

You unrepentant youth
you turn every head
attract every honeybee
convince us you are
as large as a star.

Why, why, why, Mantilija,
Why?

You are beloved
just as you are
even though we know

you are not
an egg.