For Real Toads: Mama Zen's photos

What fun to have the photos of one of my favorite Real Toads poets featured as this weekend's Sunday Challenge. I enjoyed Mama Zen's blog even before I discovered the writers' group Imaginary Garden with Real Toads. Seeing her name there was like recognizing an old friend in a new crowd.
I chose two of MZ's photos for a couple of little poems. I have been away from Real Toads for a while, making only one contribution in the past few weeks, but trying to do some commenting when I felt up to it.
It's great to have my muse back, and, MZ, you were a big part of the recovery!
K

© Mama Zen Photography

little insect chooses

a most spectacular home—

yellow and orange

green and black

there may be conveniences

it might lack

but

what does an insect care

when it has sunflower flair?

© Mama Zen Photography

moon above,

and child below

amazed to see it

in daytime,

“moon came to see me,

 yes, he did,

 to join me in my play time!”

For Real Toads: Shanyn on Sunday

This weekend's Sunday Challenge for the writers' group Imaginary Garden with Real Toads features some beautiful photos by another prairie-dweller, Shanyn Salinski.
I thought about Shanyn's photos for several hours before choosing not one or two, but three, and that wasn't enough for me, so I added a fourth. It doesn't have its own poem, but I wanted it there as a warning.
I enjoyed this challenge so much, I'd do it again! I got to use some words I've never used in poetry before.

light reflecting

off the fence,

behind which

the forest

is so dense

the light

cannot penetrate

until the sun

is higher

in the sky.

Photos copyright Shanyn Salinski

sunflower—

sun,

flower,

sun.

warmth,

beauty,

and food

for birds.

Photos copyright Shanyn Salinski

don’t drive down here.

don’t come near:

the road will end

but, before it does,

it will be tough

and rough,

will make your tires

and transmission

work overtime,

and you’ll find

you just have to 

come back the same way,

anyway.

Beware: your vehicle might end up looking like this if you ignore the sign!

Photos copyright Shanyn Salinski