I am the wilted petals of the magnolia,
Intoxicatingly sweet as they caress the very ground which you tread upon.


I am the sweet sap protected by the rough bark of the tree,
I nurture the birds, the bugs, everyone who stumbles upon me.
I was never bold enough to say no.
To deny you of my syrupy fountain of life.

I am… A beautiful rose just beginning to bloom,
Petals unfolding from her shelter which guaranteed protection all her life.

She needs the shelter no longer.