For years I have waited,
watched, and prepared
the garden beds for visitors.
Carefully, I have examined each leaf
for signs they inhabit my garden filled
with milkweed for them.
Common milkweed was the first,
taking years to be established.
Then swamp milkweed, followed by
rose milkweed planted by students.
Each germinating, growing,
flowering, and podding – a live advertisement
for those looking to inhabit my yard and fill it with
color and grace.
I wait each spring for the inhabitants,
Monarch Butterflies, to arrive and live in
the habitat I have provided for them.
Spring has turned to summer now, before they
arrive, causing me pause as my concern over
this species mounts.
Inhabit. Inhabit our fields, our yards, our roadways.
Help pollinate our food. Add beauty to the landscape.
Migrate thousands of miles, visiting those who also invite
this iconic creature with milkweed in their yards from
Canada to the United States to Mexico.
Inhabit. I hope Monarchs can continue to.
Inspired via Daily Prompt: Inhabit
The Apples in My Orchard 
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