Poison Ivy

Toxicodendron radicans.

May be mistaken for a tree limb,

a virgin's bower,

or a true ivy.

Often found growing along

tree-line edges,

lush, moist slopes,

and the walls and chain-link fences

of abandoned city outskirts

in slender

teardrop tendrils,

or tumbling drapes of emerald leaflets,

that blush red in Autumn.