readings
gentle words for the way you leave yourself
nine short pieces, one for each of the nine blooms. the wound seen softly, and the flower waiting underneath it.
you do not have to earn the day
for the one who redoes the work four times when once was enough.
the rose · perfectionism
you gave until there was no you left
for the one everyone leans on, who no one thinks to hold.
the marigold · over-giving
you do not owe anyone an apology for existing
for the one who says sorry for taking up space.
the lavender · people-pleasing
you went quiet to stay safe
for the one who drifts through the days without quite being in them.
the snowdrop · numbness
you forgot which one was the real you
for the one who becomes whoever the room needs.
the cosmos · losing yourself
your walls kept out the good too
for the one who built it so high that even help cannot reach.
the hollyhock · guardedness
the summit was never going to fill it
for the one who climbs, and feels empty at the top.
the sweet pea · proving
rest is part of the work, not its reward
for the one who cannot sit still on a sunday.
the chamomile · grinding
your joke is a lovely place to hide
for the one who turns every wound into a punchline.
the poppy · deflection