Month: May 2024

A Perplexed Rose

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I suspect she carried more,

cared more

than I ever knew,

for I never really knew

her.

Irises were her favorites,

but Mother was more like

a rose,

opening slowly,

cautiously,

unsure,

perplexed by layers of petals,

trying to settle them

just

exactly

right

but ending up windblown,

sun-faded,

pollen dusted,

stemmed with thorns,

holding deep in her center

the longing to

do

everything

right

to be the chosen rose.

I think I understand better now,

for I carry more

and care more

than my children will ever know.

Irises are one of my favorites,

but maybe I am a

slowly

unfolding

rose.

-kh-

Nurture peace, cultivate kindness, and carry the calm.

And Happy Mother’s Day!

 

Nature of the week:

Shadow of the week:

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Text and photos © 2024 Karyn Henley. All rights reserved.

Feed Me

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In the floral department of

my local supermarket

sat a tiny Venus flytrap,

its three leaf-mouths waiting,

open,

alluring red throats

exposed,

jaws outlined with

thorn teeth

always hungry.

The clear plastic cylinder

that held it was inked

“Feed Me.”

I bought it.

Gave it to my grandson,

who was delighted.

“We just talked about these in school!”

Back home,

I sink into my easy chair,

pick up my phone,

for my socials await me,

mouths open,

alluring red throats exposed,

jaws outlined with

thorn teeth

always hungry.

“Feed me.”

-kh-

 

Nurture peace, cultivate kindness, and carry the calm.

 

Nature of the week:

Shadow of the week:

If you want me to send these thoughts to your email each Sunday, simply sign up on the right.

‎Text and photos © 2024 Karyn Henley. All rights reserved.