american beauty under seige

by frozen needles and burning winds,

merciless grip placed upon her

in a clear coat of ice.

artisty frozen in time,

timeless refinement and radiance

from the seed under the hot spell

of the ground,

moisture dripping down through pockets

of coffee granules and shredded pine,

sun roasted to bloom,

soft root giving way to

green branches reaching high,

hair-like bristles forming cautionary fuzz,

growing thick into  the hardened

stems that prick around the small 

blossom that  with the right

amount of attention

will swell and explode into full bloom,

from light pink to cake velvet red,

richly hypnotic to the senses.
 

under the ice she lays suspended

until with warmed palms she's cradled

just right, tenderly stroked into freedom

melting the crystals dripping

white gold through fingertips -

she makes her debut.

and wbile giving her a moment to breathe,

released from winter fury, gently holding her,

cupping thorns respectfully,

all her magnificance is once again free

to inspire, to entice, to be enjoyed.