Before the fruit, 
comes the green, 
the single bud
risen to leaf,

re-spawned from tree
and kissed by Spring
after harsh winter
of self-preserving.

Sweet fig will grow,
will nourish the bird;
such are the seasons
and cycles of earth–

death and rebirth,
love and sacrifice, 
taking and giving,
deeply connecting and feeling

this life.

Poem and image ©LauraDenise