Ethereal Dancers of Sanctuary Pond

Water Willow (Decodon verticillatus), also known as Swamp Loosestrife — not to be confused with Purple Loosestrife — is a native Ontario shrubby perennial that plays a healthy role in our wetland ecosystems. This beauty is growing on the edge of Sanctuary Pond at Point Pelee National Park in Ontario.

Ethereal Dancers of Sanctuary Pond

Swaying free like a blade of grass,
Where the long summer shadows pass,
Swamp Loosestrife leans in quiet grace,
To touch the water’s shifting face.

Not an invasive, choking blight,
Happily, a native delight,
Wispy stems and pink petals fair,
Flourishing in our humid air.

A clump of beauties, soft and wild,
A treasure not to be rivaled,
They dance a secret, pond-side waltz,
Free of burdens, and free of faults.

‘Til next time, y’all…