Wildflowers


High on remote cliffs,
wildflowers huddle
between 
wind scalped boulders,
heads kept down,
their roots weaved 
into crevices
where a little soil has been
won from rain wash
and wear. They grow
surrounded by a constant 
howl, just above
the clawing fingers 
and thrown up fury 
of waves.

Deep 
in their creviced home,
they snatch only 
a brief, upward glimpse
of a passing sun, 
life confined more 
to a damp sliver of shade
sandwiched between stone.
No broad vistas 
but a claustrophobic crush,
a cramped space
from where they gasp
for freedom.

For centuries 
they have lived like this.
Generations have come 
and gone, the living
nourished by the flesh
of the dead.
Countless human wars 
have been fought, lost
and won. Year after year
they bloom, yearning
to be noticed, fed 
on the merest ration 
of light shed
by a merciless sun.
Thank you, they cry,
Thank you.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Bowring Avatar
March 19, 2024 at 12:17 AM
Wow, another beautiful, such exquisitely detailed poem penned from your hugely artistic pen Paul. Your immense ability as a poet to draw your readers in is incredible. All your poems are outstanding with your observational skills. As dear Sara says, there is always so much depth and layers to peel back. The scene you have painted here is sharp and vivid with the remote cliffs, wildflowers huddled together almost suffocating yearning for freedom from their prison and the mighty force of the
Willason Avatar
March 19, 2024 at 7:34 PM
Dearest Christna, thankyou for the high praise you have so generously given...feel honored and at the same time a little undeserving . Your words have been deeply felt and matter a great deal...just music to an old poet's ear to learn that a his words have had such resonance. Value your kindness dear friend...take care.
Bowring Avatar
March 19, 2024 at 12:21 AM
waves below. I say painted as you really are a sublime artist. An artist that can capture every fine little detail and bring so much to life. Amazing! Loved it. Thank you my friend for sharing :):)
Kulkarni Avatar
March 18, 2024 at 9:53 AM
What a beautiful poetry Paul!! I visited a couple wildflower trails this past weekend and your description of them is completely true. They are so beautiful and happy! Really enjoyed reading your poetry. -Smita
Willason Avatar
March 19, 2024 at 7:15 PM
Thankyou so much dear Smita for taking time to view the wildflowers...pleased to have your company and to receive such kind words. Appreciated.
Rodgers Avatar
March 18, 2024 at 7:46 AM
Dear Paul, I love how you evoked a sense of resilience and perseverance found in the wildflowers clinging to life amidst harsh conditions. Their tenacity to bloom despite adversity mirrors our own struggles. I also liked how your words appreciate the small moments of beauty and find gratitude even in challenging circumstances. Paul, this is a compelling reflection on the resilience of nature. (I am going to share with my wife for she is the flower girl)- Blessings, Daniel
Willason Avatar
March 19, 2024 at 7:12 PM
Do look forward to your fabulous explorations into my poetic specimens my friend..you are blessed with razor mind. You are so kind with your comments Daniel...value the time you give me. Take care...
Lane Avatar
March 18, 2024 at 6:07 AM
Paul, one of the finest things I love and admire about your poetry is the attention you pay to some of the most mundane, overlooked wonders around us. Awesome is the lone petaled flower that somehow emerged from a crack in a sidewalk and fern growing on a brick wall whose roots lie deep in their 'creviced home.' I had a book, filled with photos of a lone shoe lying on the roadside. I was so impressed that I think of it each time I see one in like position. It was as impressive as your writes.
Willason Avatar
March 19, 2024 at 7:05 PM
I'm afraid if I didn't make full use of the mundane, the ordinary, the plain things and try and infuse a little magic, I wouldn't have much to write about. We seem to share a similiar perspective dear Lin...poetry is truly everywhere if we can only see it. You have a well trained eye with your own work and a generous heart my friend and grace me with a good word or two.
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