Simply Nature

"Vulnerability"

Most people hate being vulnerable.  They avoid sharing the secrets, fears and challenges which make them seem weak.  Spaces in which others might harm them are carefully hidden away.  But when you open up to the trustworthy people around you, something beautiful happens.  A deep connections takes place.  One that's priceless.  You'll begin to see that others are also human with their own weaknesses.  And from the tough stuff, you can encourage each other as fellow sufferers.  

"Dying Flame"

Once vibrantly green, so full of life

Now lays on hard ground feeling strife

Experiencing pain which cuts like a knife

Bashed against jagged rocks not at all nice

Only wishing for a purpose once again in life

"Striking"

As one who stands out in many ways, I dread the unavoidable awkwardness of being the odd ball.  However, I often thought of other "red flowers", among the "mint green" general public, as striking.  Someone challenged me upon this thought, saying, "Why can't you allow yourself to also be extraordinary?".  Everyone holds their own version of extraordinary.  Yet only you yourself can display it in such a striking way.

"Sunshine Survival"

Come out!

Come alive!

No more black tunnels

No more shadow valleys

Leave the lonely corners

Nights of endless tears

No need for perfection

This road allows struggle still

Yet fall with helpers nearby

Here stands a shoulder on which to cry

Come out, sunshine

Your rays still glow

Come alive, flower bud

You brighten the world so

Not by your petal size

Or number of seeds

Nor the shape of your leaves

But by bravery

Perseverance through the rocky soil

Into a new place

No longer what you were before.

Come out,

Come alive!

"Humble Home"

It's not a mansion, but it's home.  A place to come, to rest, to feel safe, to belong.  No matter what glitz it contains, or does not have, the core purpose is giving the dwellers a safe, familiar place to return.