pressed petal

I have loved poppies since I discovered such a flower existed. I love the way they come out of a small little hairy green cocoon, balanced on a precariously tall stem, like fine, crushed velvet, too delicate to touch. Here we have a plant in our backyard. It has been such a pleasant surprise after arriving in the winter to see all these joyful plants come out of hiding in the spring. This one has gigantic orange-red poppy blooms with gorgeous dark stains on the petals as though each was individually painted with the brush of a Creator God. Though it doesn't show the brilliance of the colour, I think it's even beautiful pressed.