In February, a warm spell
might trigger the brief eruption
of budding, with next the cold snap
searing off those false starts.
With the next warm spell, buds come slow,
hesitant, reluctant, reserved.
What will be a flower armors
itself beneath a thick bract.
“Bract – a leaflike part just below,
protecting an inflorescence.”
See? Inflorescence. Blossoming.
“The time and process of budding
and the unfolding of blossoms.”
The flower grows behind the shield,
cautious and tightly furled. Later,
there will be blooming, there will be,
unfurling, opening, and loose
as laughter. There will be blooming.
Rosefire Rising 