Pansies

Not every pansy has a face,
But check out those that do;
You will swear that all of them
Are looking right at you.

Unlike daffodils and mums,
Or tulips, daisies, roses,
Pansies aren’t friendly
In the way that one supposes.

Their tiny faces seem to be
Fixed in a constant sneer;
It’s quite surprising, ‘cause folks think
How docile they appear.

But look a little closer
And you’ll see in their expression,
A readiness to judge you
And a hint of true aggression.

A pansy seems to hide behind
Its velvet bursts of hue;
But don’t be tempted by the ‘smile’
You just might misconstrue.

Gather a bouquet for me
Of buds and blooms profound,
But when it comes to pansies –
I prefer them in the ground.