The sun popped out and the winds calmed on Monday, following a long period of days full of strong winds and snow. I wandered out to the little prairie garden in our backyard to see if there was anything I could photograph. I found some seeds that had managed to hang on through 40-50 mph winds and played around with them for a little while. These photos represent some of the results.

Many thanks to everyone who contributed prairie limericks this week. There were way more than I can share here, so please go back and read the full batch in the comments beneath last week’s post. Some were clever, but didn’t quite fit the limerick mold, especially in terms of rhythm. Others were well done – I just didn’t have room for all of them.

Since there were so many good limericks, my writing duties this week have been greatly eased – I appreciate that! Please enjoy the following prairie limericks. (And start thinking about contributions for next year!)

To wander, to pause, and to gaze
is considered by some to just laze.
But those who take time
will see prairies are fine —
they nourish, console, and amaze

Linda Leinen

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Picky pruners pull out frogfruit,
Defending its value, most moot.
The plant’s not a weed,
to Skippers it’s feed,
and food for the crawling cute newt.

Marilyn Lanser

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While bison look small in the prairie
Up close they can be much more scary
So stay in your truck
And don’t test your luck
Keep your eyes peeled and always be wary

John Helzer

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On days when the sunlight is waning,
And one’s very life force is draining,
Then get out on the prairie,
Let your heart be merry,
And maybe you’ll quit your complaining.

Karen D

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The prairie grass bends in the breeze,
And hosts rodents and birds and bees.
So please take good care,
For their future we bear,
Conservation is what we must seize!

Susan Przybylo

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Cerrado, Savannah or Prairie
Tall grass or short grass or varied
With the rodents and birds
And the great mammal herds
Make an ecosystem extraordinair-e

Janet Reid

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While turkey-foot tickles the sky,
the little blue pleases the eye.
But the fine bushy bluestem
can bring forth an “Amen!”
when sending its fluff off to fly.

Linda Leinen

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Tall grasses flowers and birds
Inspire so many words
Bees buzz about
The critters come out
It’s a place for us natural nerds

Gail Vanderheyden

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The deep loamy soil has a taste
A palate for all things there placed
Buried roots, sticks, stones
And buffalo bones
Below not a thing goes to waste

Nichole Rose B