As  A Plant Grows by Fatou Muteba

Before a flower grows,

it takes root

Root of its ethnicity

and its power

 

As a Flower grows

it grows a stem

A stem that is its backbone

and its supporter

 

As a flower grows

it grows its leaves

Leaves that stretch out to love

and compassion

 

As a flower grows

It shows its petals

Petals that express its beauty

and delicacy

 

As a flower grows

the sun shines down upon it

A sun that gives it its spotlight

and stage

 

As a flower grows

it attracts admirers

Admirers that appreciate its beauty

and plucks it off

 

As a flower dies

it dries up

Dries up that it is forgotten

and is replaced with a new

seed…….