by Anne Kelly-Edmunds, 2021
A hint of yellow runs
upward like a seam,
promises to rent
the tight fabric
of thick verdant protection
against spring’s fickle days
and chilly nights.
Soon, petals that glow
like noontime sunshine
will unfold upward,
open to cup a star
of six jet-black pistils
surrounding the white-gold
gift of stamen.
