Large Fierce Mammal

The inspiration for this poem — bird’s nest fungus growing on an old manure pile, captured in its beauty by Paula Cardinell (click photo to enbiggen).

Even the simplest things in Nature have lessons to teach, and indeed the very Profundity of Simplicity may be the greatest of them all. Today is a perfect day to read this poem, and then meditate on what it says during a mindful walk in the woods.

A Song of Fungal Wisdom

By LFM

The Fungus is a simple thing
That isn’t always seen,
But nonetheless is everywhere
That you have ever been.

The Fungus is a simple thing
That likes the dark and shade,
And thrives in places others shun,
On food that’s ready made.

The Fungus is a simple thing
That craves not Sun nor Bee.
Its fruits it hides to ne’er be seen
Until it’s time to be.

The Fungus is a simple thing
That’s rarely understood,
And even while it little cares
Still serves the greater good.

The Fungus is a simple thing
That eaten may delight,
But goodness will withhold from thee
Unless you treat it right.

The Fungus is a simple thing,
With every role to fill,
Its kind can spoil your food or flesh,
May feed, or heal, or kill.

The Fungus is a simple thing
That likes the shady Boyne,
As well as cellars damp and dark,
And creases in your groin.

The Fungus is a simple thing
That all who drink may thank
For every draught of alcohol
In every drink they’ve drank.

The Fungus is a simple thing,
But never in that way
Of condescending “primitive”
That pundits like to say.

The Fungus is a simple thing
That’s ready night and day
To find what’s good in death and all
That others cast away.

The Fungus is a simple thing,
As is and ever was.
He’s wise who learns the when and how
To do as Fungus does.