Ode to the Peonies

The bee emerging from deep within the peony departs reluctantly.

Matsuo Basho, Japanese Haiku Poet, 1644-1694

A long day working indoors seemingly doesn't leave time to find anything awesome to write about, until I return home and am directed to the garden where a "Wow" escapes from my lips even before I have inhaled the heady scent of the peonies.

Overnight their tight round buds have opened gloriously into delectable confections.

Flamboyant ruffles and intoxicating perfume must entrance the mightiest of drones.

Who dares to dispute that peonies reign as queen of the garden? Not I.