Magnolia, crowned with pearly blossoms stands,
With silvered boughs aloft in shapely poses,
Enameled leaves like shining emerald hands,
Luminous flowers’ scent delights all noses-

A striking scion of an ancient race,
Whose forebears predate bees for pollination,
Arboreal epitome of grace,
And source of taxonomic irritation.

But when leaves brown and fall upon the ground,
Their work of photosynthesis will shift
To mischief and creating startling sounds,
Crack underfoot, and clattering adrift.

Though lovely they may be, it is preferred
To love them for their sense of of the absurd.