She Became a Garden

And there she was finally accepted and seen

Just before the sun would boil over the horizon she’d water each flower

with a porcelain jug hand-painted with petite pink rosebuds

she spoke alyssum with an accent of wild geranium rosemary stems were her fingers

her eyes were lavender-blue and each footstep was soft as moss

creatures visited without fear they seemed to know it was fine to dine

on a bouquet of spent rose petals sipping from shallow dishes of water sprinkled here and there

she became the seasons wearing clothes that blended with the flora and fauna

her hair sunny by spring and summer and by autumn and winter there was a distinct color of silence

it was as if she was born to be a garden with all the flavors and accents

bold and bright dark and dim shadow and light

each moment of transformation weeded away the masks and complimented her spirit

as if by chance but not really she belonged there

she became a garden where she was finally accepted and seen

A version of this poem will be included in my forthcoming book, The Colors I Hear: poetry and prose to vitalize your highly sensitive nature. This book is expected to be out in late spring/early summer of 2023 and published by Golden Dragonfly Press.

Carolyn Riker is the author of three beautiful books of poetry and prose published by Golden Dragonfly Press. She’s also a licensed mental health therapist in private practice. Her books are available on Amazon.