Sunflowers

A neighbour has sown sunflowers
at the rear of the garden
and I see them now from my window
their immense heads gently bobbing
in the breeze —the characteristic
bright yellow ray florets
surrounding a reddish brown disc

I know that as they grow
during the day these heliotropes
tilt to follow the sun
but these tall specimens are in full bloom
and their faces are inclined to the east
I know too that their days are numbered
and that their proud capitula
will soon be bowed

John Lyons