A bud on a small fuzzy tendril
swells with new life.
Two small leaflets divide
and slowly reach to embrace
the stem.
A hint of color glints under
the shiny surface.
The hard outer skin slowly divides
into soft pink lines running
from tip to base.
Small points emerge at the top.
Dew drops form, and one
disappears between the points.
An opening forms, giving a
hint of what's inside.
Petals slowly peel back,
separating like zippers.
Smaller petals slip out,
Revealing a dusty yellow
stalk in the center.
Each petal grows larger,
deepening in color
from pink to orange-red.
A rose is born.

Lindsey Milton 1993

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