Gather the Flowers

kind words are like sweet flowers

gather them up

like little yellow daisies

and sweet lavender

in a wild field

of sharp grasses

and overgrown weeds

inhale them

memorize the scent

sketch their shape and color in your minds eye

do not lose the feeling

of the stems in your fingers

or the silky soft petals

hold them against your chest

near a window

in a vase

freshen the water

in the spring

let the sun and fresh air in

and when the cold comes

keep in the warmth

light a candle

near the mirror

admire each stark shadow

and count the glimmers

in your eyes

that is hope

let it carry you

and when the sun returns

it will light up all that you are

written by Megan Token

Nov. 2022