It started as a bud
in the morning
in the dark
on the short days
of the year
and it slowly opened
all day
I ran from here to there
at this time of year
the hustle
and bustle
returning to home
and a
revealed petal
and another
opening to the light
until at the end of the day
full
complexity
of pattern
beauty deep purple
a royal color
devised by nature
to attract
a moth or bird
miles away
the orchid speaks
of that place
green leaved
moist air
tall trees home
it whispers
as it unfurls
a little more
and the gift
from a family
a friend
blooming then
and now again
returning
on its own cycle
perhaps answering the call
of an insect
unknown unseen
this story
of transport
of love
of gifts
that keep giving
and another orchid
on a snowy day
far away
graces another poet’s heart
captured in words
sent through space
our orchids
bloom
together
telling stories
of love
and hope
touches
of the divine
the elusive heaven
in a wildflower
the majestic
grace and symmetry
the colors
all artists
envy
and copy
and capture
in words
and brush strokes
this orchid
tells this story
and many more
if we but listen
we hear
what the orchid
says
on this Christmas eve
of voyages
and joy
of gratitude
for movement
so small
unfurl your beauty
one petal at a time
with
me
that’s what the orchid says.