Yellow petals
slowly unfurl
with inner bravery,
but the natural
gravity
to feel
encourages 
the lean.
We all need. 
We all long
for a touch. 
Even the warmth
of a ray
from the faraway
sun:
it assures
if we open up,
raise our faces
to receive, 
even long-distance
affection 
can be brushed
against 
our cheeks. 
Bloom to bloom, 
bloom to stalk, 
bloom to jagged, sharp edges:
it is all 
love. 

Poem and image ©LauraDenise