African Violet

Nursery maid for seeds and saplings,

Loving shadow and dark murky colours.

Quiet music and soft raindrops

Bring out her beauty.

Her roots cradle the soil

And nurture hopeful conception.

Shy and withdrawn, she waits:

Will a wonder happen?

Will new life flourish, and

Reward her waiting?

Who can tell?

Flowers retain their secrets.

But, one day, a wonder evolves.

A tiny leaf, perfect and vigorous

Finds its way out of the soil.

Out of the embrace

Of dirt and

The nurse-maid’s arms

© HMH 2018