AFTERBLOOM

Watch the wind

blow dandelion seeds

over green grasses,

            and barren land,

across open meadows,

            or into cracks

in the curbside cement,          

            and remember—wherever,

whoever, you are:

To spread the seeds

            of life and growth

you must first

            let yourself bloom.

Then, offer

            your gifts to the wind,

and let go of knowing

            whether you are flower,

or seed,

            or naked stem.