Grasp

the stem

(fibrous, silken, strong)

and pull

(gently, gently).

Liberate

those pale,

luminescent orbs

clustered

like an oyster’s

hoard of pearls,

like static will-o-wisps

and opaque full moons

in miniature

cast.

Prize them clear

(loose, out, up)

of the dark earth’s

grasp.

Shake them

(tinkling, ringing, chiming)

free of clinging soil

and lay them

(gently, gently)

within the cradle

of your palm

where they glow,

radiating as-yet

unhatched

light.

 

– C.Birde, 1/20