Welcome to Wildflowers and Native Plants, Volume One, a short book of wildflower and native plant short verse. The term 'short verse' can refer to haiku or any other of the several 5-7-5 syllable poetry genres. Here we will generally stick to the 5-7-5 format and allow for most perspectives and topics so long as there is a nexus with Florida and wildflowers, native plants, wildlife or natural resources, and the poem can be uttered with one breath.

Though natural wonders abound across the world, Florida is a special place to experience surprising marvels. Short verse has allowed me to condense the 'there is so much to learn and know' of Florida nature into a manageable amount of time and brain storage. With so much to see and know, Florida Short Verse Poetry can guide one across the state, exploring both common and little known wonders for those who have a limited amount of free time.

As an aortic dissection survivor with a mechanical aortic valve I live in an ever-clicking environment, one with a built-in metronome embedded in my chest, one that clicks audibly each second. These omniscient 'clicks' have reset my brain to think in terms of meter and short verse; hence my obsession with prose.

I grew up living in Florida as did my parents and their parents. My ecological career has taken me across the state's wilds. My law education inspires me to hope for preservation of our State's wonders so our children and grandchildren too can experience Florida's marvel.

Our state is often described as a 'global biodiversity hotspot'. Sadly, this designation today is threatened by human pressures. Yet an understanding of Florida's natural resources can help to conserve and protect wildflowers, wildlife, geology and community today and in the future.

Nature art and short verse have helped heal much of my chronic disease. I hope this series of poetry and art will heal and inspire others to look for life's answers in the shores, swamps, cities, backroads, culture and nature of this amazing state.

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