Poppies
You’re beautiful.
You smell fragrant.
Every part of you is poisonous.
Just one touch
and your venom slowly spreads-
affecting the mind,
making them see
you
your way.
Your seed produces beautiful offspring-
beguiling,
but hidden deep
within the stems are thorns
waiting to strike.
Though young,
your poisons run through them-
flowing,
clouding their minds.
All bend to your will.
The bees carry the antidote.
With love, light and water,
your true zest for life
is seen.
Your offspring will grow
to be captivating,
without the need to capture.
This too,
is true for us.
Raise
your child
with hate
and all they know
is hate.
Filled
with the poisons
passed
from parents.
Raise
your child
to be open
accepting the differences
in others.
They become
captivating
blooming
like a beautiful flower.
Its petals
open
to receive
love and learning.
It’s not too late
for us either.
The world is changing
before us.
Blooming
into the most beautiful
and fragrant
of all flowers.
Accept it
for its beauty
is different from yours.
Learn
how to live
with blossoming differences.
Make the world
a beautiful
flower garden.
