Roots/Delicate Flower

Poem © 2015 by Joyce Mason

Revisiting my past

the places I grew up

the people who made me who I am today:

waters my roots

a human flower

survivor of many growing seasons.

How deep this structure

that supports me

through every kind of weather

excess sun/exposure,

bitter rains,

hail, frost and storms

of all kinds

assaults that bend

and even level delicate buds

but never touch the strong

rebirth medium

thick dirt sanctuary

for limitless resurrections.

Some people and places

fertilize blooming

some give ideal growing conditions

others—hope

when the plant looks dead

or destroyed beyond all

recognition.

These people and places

are the ribbons

that hold together

a spray of freshly picked blooms.

They make possible

a lifetime of beauty.

To them I give my bouquet.

~~~

Photo Credit: kichigin19 – Fotolia.com