You ask of
the obsession
the love
the desire
for the blooms
so fresh
the flowers
petals unfurling
startling colors
subtle shades
translucent
glowing
with the afternoon light
purple gladiolas
in the window
placed by my mother
tall white pure
Calla Lilies
of my youth
spotted in the market in Guatemala
bunches, and bunches
white and green
against the colorful huipils
and in my own garden now
the stitches
the threads
of flowers
for pure joy
in their presence
for the sense of peace
for the beauty
for the unfurling
petals
shades of colors
indescribable
no words
only sit
look
the patterns
the folds
inspiration for the paintings
Monet’s waterlilies
Georgia O’Keefe’s raptures
intricate
made large bold
flowers
are showy
grand
say look at me
I am beauty
I am strength
I bring you fruit
seed
regrowth
come to me
treasure
guard
immerse your face
the violet roses
smell the sweetest
but others of
citrus scented
clean freshness
the endless profusion
the wildflowers
the garden flowers
they have rescued me
inspired me
and
as I bring them in
or plant their seeds
their bulbs
I know that
their blooms will end
one day dropping petals
another drooping heads
and so
I dream of seeds
that I may plant again
for me
for joy
for you
for hope
for faith
that it will
come again
so that is why
flowers.