This orchid, purchased in February when there was some snow on the ground and eight deer resting in the back garden, was simply placed on the dining room table in front of the picture window and proceeded to bloom again and again and again. By refocusing the lens, changing the depth of field, and taking another picture, you would see the deer outside. But I chose the orchid inside, the last live plant bought for my mother. I’m glad, because within the hour the deer had melted through the hedge and into the woods. Six months later the orchid continued to amaze, but my mother was two months gone.

© 2007 George J. Bancroft Sr.