Enticing Flowers and Hearts
that first peep of the crocus
breaking through frozen earth
longer hours of sunlight
bulbs drawn by brief sensations of warmth
like hearts that had lingered in frozen graves
waiting for gestures of kindness
ice melting, exposing vulnerability
enticing daffodils, hyacinths, lilies
often emerging too early
late frosts wilt blooms
premature buds succumb to April chills
no headstones, no names
only hope remains
perhaps next spring
a longer lifespan awaits
hearts and flowers
willing to face uncertainty again
*For Francine's "Flowers" contest
by Carolyn Devonshire
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