Floriography

I am a flower unfurling
Though only so far

But the scent lingers in the air
Brushes past the stamen   and the petals
And maybe, you think

It’s okay to pick this one next
And add it to your collection

Of dying roses
Fading lilies

Dew still wet on the drooping petals

I am not sweet like them
Or open

My roots are steel in the ground
My stem is not for breaking

Leave this flower where it stands

But come back
And look
And maybe later
If you bring water and care and light

And gentle hands with no expectations

This flower might bloom for you

Originally Published in Aze Journal