Trumpets of Death

poem by Ken Holmes, Winter 2011

The huge African datura flowers deceptively beautiful
Entice the nose into their elegant, art nouveau caverns.
But these are trumpets of death or, at least,
Doorways into the realms of insanity.

You enter that world of wonder at your risk.

Yet in their white cathedrals of magnificent light,
The furry bee kneels, gathering the sacrament
Praying at the altar of their poisonous pollen,
Unharmed and unafraid, serving his queen.