Dennis Hollingsworth

Ecclesiastes

I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards:

When the giant agave sprouted its monster stalk, the blooming flowers attracted a dense cloud of bees and hummingbirds. You could hear a collective drone of their wings overhead. It was astounding. Later, when the nectar was depleted, I wanted to trim all the dying leaves off with a chainsaw. I was wearing shorts at the time. The sap got onto my legs and smoldered several burns over time. That was hellacious. The body fluid of the plant separated into sweet and caustic, above and below.

(The pics are from the LA backyard then and now, thanks to Frances for the now!)