Then

by Isis Charest

I came into this world

a seed

Then

Like a tree, a flower, a fern

I grew upward and outward

was busy

watching the sun

dancing in the rain

smelling fragrant flowers

and tasting the joy of life.

Then

a new bud unfolded

a new me came forth

A me I didn’t know

She wanted new music

a different dance step.

She promised

We could do it together

We became great friends

Then

as blooms do

she faded,

Her time had come and gone

Sadness overwhelmed me

Then

Darkness moved in

embraced me

whispered soothing sounds

and kept me company

sleep was my new partner

Then

I heard a new voice

whisper

Its time to share some light

She was wise and caring

she made me laugh

and was my delight

I forgot she was a bloom

until that sad day

she whispered goodbye

and faded away

I didn’t know what to say or do

felt intensely alone

Then

Darkness embraced me

whispered soothing sounds

held and protected

me

while yet another bud begin to form

I held tightly to darkness

remembering this pattern of romance

Then

A voice

asked for my help

I was afraid to let go

She whispered

Each bud has a plan

I need you to bloom

I pretended not to hear

Then

She cried out

Let me breathe

I felt a wave of fear

She begged me for help

I begged her

Be still

Then

Her bloom burst open

and love

poured forth.

Then

I saw my true friend

Not the blossom

of new experiences

but Darkness

my

Co-Creator of blossoms.