There –

there it is…

Rub of grit

Scrape of coal

Shard

at the center

of all things

Grief

in the rose’s

soft pleated heart

Unease

in summer’s blue

unclouded sky

Gather it up,

this unfledged

wisdom

Safeguard &

croon to it

Greet it gently &

grant it

a safe space

to root &

grow.

— C.Birde, 8/21