peel

don't peel the petals
of a tender bud
with your fingers,
speak to it,
sing to it,
bring it the sun
and the stars,
watch the rain
slip into its folds
in a hush,
feel the wind
kiss each petal awake
ever so gently,
smell the quiet fragrance
of its flowering,
and then wait
with the frailty
of your patience,
soaking into
the presence
of that rich soil
you never see,
and peel it
with your loving eyes,
making space
within
for it to open
in its own
perfect time.