In the Names of Grass

Timothy does not flourish

where blue grama and needle-and-thread hold sway.

In disturbed ground

rise cheatgrass and rough fescue.

Give to the open sun

crested wheatgrass and big bluestem.

Along windswept slopes

gather foxtail and awnless brome.

For the sake of name:

orchardgrass and slender wheatgrass.

Foxtail

—Mitchell Hegman