Photo by Sheila G. Hunter. “Daffodil, with Scars”
“Dip your aching toes
in cool waters,”
said Summer to the
wilderness
wandering
woman.
“Tease your tastebuds
with blackberries. Lay
your weary body down
on gentle meadow
grass. Breathe in the
soft sweetness of coral
honeysuckle where
hummingbirds drink
and dance.”
“Blush with pride,”
said Autumn
to the old maple tree.
“You earned it. You
shaded the little girl who
held summer stars
in her eyes
while she
sat beneath your branches
and read
and read
and read
once upon a times into
dreams into
fierce hopes for the future.”
“Bend toward hope
when icy winds blow,”
said Winter
to the fragile-seeming ones.
“Bend, but don’t break.
You are stronger than you know.
You are resilient.
You are enough.”
“To push your shoulders
up, up, up,”
said Spring.
“Up through still-cold
greening sod to
fragrance the dawn
with daffodil prayers.
Salt 