Growing

stretch out—farther

find those dim beams of sunlight

tasting of chlorophyll

and exhalations

burrow down—deeper

dig into the earth that sustains you

don’t forget

you are woven into it

for a reason

ignore the orchids

and their stooping pride

the sickening glory of roses

unfurl your simple

and drooping leaves

laugh at the tickle of insects

at the probing kiss of the rain

and the trembling caress of the shade

remember that the process

is slow

that your shoots

may not always find the right light

and sometimes you will

wither into yourself

for a time

this is still growth