Bamboo

“20 sticks line diagonal

In my little civic vehicle

That object which propels me

From point A to point B.

B plus is my blood type -

Type A is who I’m told I have to be.

I’ll hold that illusion off the tip end

Of my middle finger

And let it dangle like tissue —

Like ginkgo leaves in fall.

One breath. One moment.

On and into the next.

What is next?

May I be part of it?

Allow it to survive?

Come forward. Never ceasing.

Like shoots of bamboo.

I choose to see you , or that of this moment

See freedom at works in our minds.

Firm standing I will remain

In sisterhood with tulip poplars

I thank them now for my future home.

A tree house with tulip poplar bark for shingles,

I’m set. It’s made. We will be okay.

Stand firm stand tall with all of the rest.

You are your own flower.

They grow from rain-

And not the thunder.

Be kind, patience and caring to yourself.

Watch yourself grow and be open.

Like the center heart a bamboo shoot.”