The most exquisite flowers
spring up
in the least likely spots–
lending splashes of color,
beauty
and grace
to landscapes otherwise barren,
desolate
and drab.
Their slim, flimsy stems
mask the strength it must take
to push through hard earth,
concrete
or weeds
on valiant quests
toward sunlight
and rain.
As I breathe in their scent–
a heady mixture
of sweetness and tenacity,
resilience and hope–
the petals of my own stunted spirit
begin to unfurl,
and I turn up my face
as I stretch toward the sky.