a delight of ferns

Towering above me
the masters of the forest
make a bold impression,
while here below
on the forest floor
ferns delight me
with their humility.

They greet with grace
the co-creators of their flourishing:
sheltering canopy
seeping dampness
filtering sunlight
fallen leaves.

Slowly unfurling
they toss back their heads
raising their fronds
in a gentle gesture
of gratitude.