Image 1 of 4
Image 2 of 4
Image 3 of 4
Image 4 of 4
it frames the circle,
dense growth below,
and its stalks towering above,
distinct height,
heads taller than me.
i had heard it spoken of,
but this was the introduction of hands to plant.
green straight stalk,
interspersed with whorls
each whorl containing petals that emerge on its upper rim,
through the season the petals descend.
the whorls are sharp,
boundary,
pricking fingers
pausing to reassess approach.
petals strong and delicate.
harvesting is a labor of love
requesting gentle touch and intention
if a handful of flowers is pulled
a breaking
bottom of flower remains in its pod.
but with patience
and care
flowers release
containing indescribably sweet juice.
teaching of boundary
what is left behind when one explores boundary with agenda
as a thing to push through
in pursuit of outcome
and the practice of gentle exploration
each movement mindful
pausing to assess the impact of movement on environment
curiously exploring the somatic experience of discomfort that informs
yes
and
no.
when boundary is
understood
honored
allowed
safety
flower gently releases
and the sweet nectar that accompanies this surrender.