I am a flower unfurling

Though only so far

But the scent lingers in the air

Brushes past the stymen 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