Vernal Pools

Just east of here, in shallow prairie pools In secret, lives a fleeting little world Late rains caught in impenetrable clay Host a brilliant and vanishing bloom Tiny flowers erupt, golden bursts of color Fairy shrimp spring from dormant cells Ephemeral life short lived but vibrant For those that seek, a precious find Frequented by birds and little mammals These small habitats are quickly fading Another picture of precious life interrupted Perhaps soon found only in memories.