Pink Pickable Ladyslippers

i wasn't to pick the lady slippers
that much was clear
but they are pink and pickable
i said to grampa

as we walked to Lake Michigan
through the woods of the backdune
where the protected lady slipper
grew just to taunt me

let them grow he said
if you pick them, no one else can enjoy them
i didn't see that as my problem
there was no one around to see them anyway

besides he said they are protected
its illegal to pick the lady slipper
illegal how? i scuffed my feet and scoffed
pick up your feet, you'll ruin your shoes he said

if you pick the lady slippers
he looked back and smiled
he was never annoyed with me
they can't grow anymore

i thought about that one
other people not seeing the lady slipper
did not bother
a selfish four year old girl

going to jail for picking a flower
that gave one pause to think
but not unduly
only to wonder if i could bring my toys

but to be responsible for the death of flower
now that was something to think about
a pretty pink pickable flower shaped like a
pair of fairy pointe ballet shoes?

a pretty little blossom that never hurt anyone
only making the forest look nice in spring
if i should pick her, she wouldn't grow
i decided to leave the lady slipper where she grew

grampa in his plaid flannel coat
took his selfish little girl's hand
in his big ink stained hands
and smiled again.