A Flower.....

She's like a flower gently unfurling. 
Caught in Winter's grasp too long.
Slowly learning to trust and breathing deep the safety of Spring.
Newness.  Life.  Beauty.  Growth.
The flower trembles joy as her petals stretch wide.
Vulnerable.  Exposed.  Swaying.  Dancing.

Rivers run down her petals and onto her roots.
Rivers of loss and sorrow and goodbyes.
Yet she is standing and rooted and basking in the summer Son.
Enjoying the beautiful garden filled with colors and textures and scents all busy growing and becoming.

The days grow shorter. 
Dark comes early.
The giants flanking the garden shake loose their colorful fall foliage.
Their wisdom spills all around and brings comfort to the little flower.
She is Warm. Secure. Held. Cared For.

The sudden chill catches her by surprise.
Winter's coming.
Fear. 
Yet as the little flower carefully bows her head she notices the others around her.
Surrounding.  Hovering.  Covering.  Caring.
Not alone.
Loved.
The flower closes her eyes and enjoys winters gift of rest.