Cattail Communities

They stand tall together in scores
on shores of marshes and ponds
wetland beings in service to others
their fruiting spikes furry brown velvet
candlewicks
perfect torches
producers of cottony seeds
fluffy masses of them
warm like down
good stuff
for jackets diapers
pillows mattresses
nests 

Cattails spread with vigour
their starchy rhizome roots
feed many
geese   humans
nutria   muskrats
provide habitat for others 

Their tender shoots are tasty
their flowers and pollen
nutritious
marsh cobs
protein pancakes
their tight heads
great survival tinder 

Their long flat blade
leaves rustle in the wind
bulrushes sway
dragonflies skim among their
broad or narrow leaves
you could weave
into mats   seats   walls   rooves
Cattails   generous   Cattails