The Etiquette of Nature

Does the rose follow a set of rules in deciding when to bloom?
And once the petals open wide, do the bees take that
as an open invite to enter in and feast?

And as the thrasher builds its nest
within the thorny cactus arms,
does it ask permission, or barge right in?
And should the cactus object what then?
What are the etiquette rules in nature?

When the caterpillars attack milkweed,
stripping it of its tender and tasty green leaves,
does the milkweed weep for being so mistreated,
or does it understand the role it plays in a precious life cycle?

Now with stem bare, the lowly milkweed struggles,
flourishing in spite of its nakedness with
brilliant blooms of succulent yellow-orange flowers
teasing and tempting the haughty beautiful royals
the colorful Monarch and Queen butterflies
and though uninvited, they still stop by.

So I ask my friends– are there any etiquette rules in nature?

©2021 Linda Lee Lyberg

Imaginary Garden with Real Toads: Just one Word: Etiquette

22 Comments on “The Etiquette of Nature

  1. I love nature’s etiquette – each and every thing connected to every other. Sigh. Other than we humans, but hopefully we will figure this out! I loved this, Linda, especially the milkweed’s blooming.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Gorgeous ❤❤❤ I especially love the question: “Does the rose follow a set of rules in deciding when to bloom?” 😊

    Liked by 1 person

  3. I love this, I think your thoughts are beautiful. It is indeed something to ponder as in perhaps if acting according to nature we would have less use for strict etiquette.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. …offering oneself up for the other – fulfilling our purposeful “destiny” (or allowing our “God-given gifts to bloom – however one wants to look upon it) … lot’s to ponder!

    Liked by 1 person

  5. I am not sure if nature has etiquette, but it does have balance. Perhaps the latter demonstrates the former. I love the creative path you took with the prompt.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Great question and so well asked. But as one who has been a farmer for most of my life and having also spent hundreds of hours in the African bush, I suggest that it’s not etiquette, just pure, unadorned, unadulterated nature being natural. Nature with its rawness, balance and beauty, not constrained or directed by the actions, thoughts or desires of humans

    Liked by 1 person

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