it began quietly;
starting with
nervous thumbs,
soft chuckles,
and fuzzy migraines

it grew steadfast;
of joy,
old wounds,
and peeps into the keyhole

it turned away in shame;
of black wool,
accusations,
and fear

it was a wonder when bloomed;
of tears varying in kind,
deep diving,
and quiet confessions

it was
is
flourishing

against the odds