Ivory-capped immaculates
spored as if on angel breath
some cluster, comose and chorister-gowned
others outspread their alabaster contours
the way manta rays glide
though the seabed here is deep beech leaf
crisp and calm this late November
– far off in Stygian shadows of pine
a destroying angel stands aloof
innocent as air but ghostly
white with death
Agaricaceae are the true mushrooms including field, wood, and horse though not all are edible or white. The ‘destroying angel’ fungus is Amanita (virosa) and does what it says.
Inspired by the twiglet ‘innocent as air‘ and joining dVerse for another Open Link Night
PoetryPix 
Love this!
Thank you for the twiglet
This is beyond beautiful! ❤️ Especially love; “the way manta rays glide though the seabed here is deep beech leaf crisp and calm this late November.” 🙂
Thank you for your appreciation Sanaa
Very cool.
Thank you
What a twist on the name. I take this as a symbolism~
It’s Latin plural of the family name which sounds more poetic than the singular
Interesting about mushrooms. I don’t care to eat any of the non-poisonous ones but I like learning about them.
They are beautiful to look at no matter how deadly
I like the photo as the leaves layering with the fungi makes it look 3D. The manta ray movement is a vivid image.
Thank you I was inspired by the photo
You’re welcome.
Mushrooms are one of the most unique things. I love the comparison to angels and rays. Perhaps they are growing on what was once the seabed!! Very well done.
Thank you! The white ones when mature are especially like manta rays or so I always see them thus
They have a beauty all their own!!
A gorgeous poem, Laura! I love the images of mushrooms ‘spored as if on angel breath’, ‘chorister-gowned’ and compared to manta rays. The final lines are stunning.
Love your enthusiasm – many thanks Kim
This poem really took me somewhere, a sail I think.
Sorry I had overlooked your comment – it too sailed away!
Nice last two lines.
Thanks Frank
Love the music in this …in particular..
“some cluster, comose and chorister-gowned
others outspread their alabaster contours”
JIM
Glad you heard it’s musicality Jim – thank you
The description of the poisonous mushroom as a manta ray… in their pale deadly beauty is they are angels of death…
I do prefer some mushrooms that can be picked safely.
It’s a bit like Russian roulette even for the experienced