The Family Portrait

With reverence I knelt, then laid my body down against the damp, moist earth.

They seemed shy, huddled against an ancient rock, sprouting from summer’s detritus. How shy could they possibly be being a shade of saffron orange? Even nature has its conundrums.

With a respectful nod, I asked the mushrooms if they would like a family portrait. With giddy excitement the matriarch said, “I’ve been waiting for you to ask, Yes please, we would love a portrait.” As she gathered her children at her feet, there she proudly stood, with her husband behind her, supporting her as he’s always done in the past. 

I looked up from my viewfinder and said to her, “What an elegant family you have.”

With that, they all turned a more radiant orange.

Ah, the blush of acknowledgment.

​Live in color,

Abby