The Impostor

The Impostor I, Strelitzia come to surprise by turning your sightings up-side-down with my vibrant costume and disguise. Fiery plumage forms my crested crown with feathery tips of indigo. My boat-shaped beak is a mossy brown. You’ll stop and stare at my bloomin’ show of regal garb that always deceives— a subject fitting for a Van Gogh. Amid long blue-gray leathery leaves, I can perch, I can pose, unafraid, protected from would-be floral thieves. It’s all a part of my masquerade. Hummingbird visits—just part of the game, though they’re not fooled by my sly charade. I’m in the Imposter’s Hall of Fame because everyone has to look twice. Time to unmask and reveal my name: It’s me! It’s me! Bird of Paradise.