thoughts like thorns
underfoot
step cautious
even flowers
have dreams
and roots that seek deeper
food than the wind brings
why does phlox
creep over walls
it’s scalloped edge
softens the sharpest lines
its colors are not simple,
not purple, not white, not pink,
but all of these together
and underneath, their
roots blend into one
layered brown root ball,
embracing
and seeking
but not blending
never blending
even thought suspending
let’s just bloom
on a sunny morning
just bloom
Copyright 2016 Brenda Davis Harsham
Note: No matter how many times I examine the issue of color, I have no magical formula that lessens hatred. Under our visible skin, we have the same blood, the same organs, the same needs, the same emotions. Why does color begin and end the discussion? I can’t say, but perhaps we just need to decide to bloom, wherever we have room. And don’t step on other’s blooms.
Have a magical day!
Warmly, Brenda
13 thoughts on “Underfoot”
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Friendly Fairy Tales 
That’s an interesting thought Brenda, a plant of many colours, I really like that! 🙂 Strange how we’ve been taught ( I totally believe it taught to us) to see colour in skin or differences in personality as something significant, something that may even divide us. So stupid really, doesn’t remotely make sense. People even think like that over hair colour too…crazy!
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Yes, I get that a lot as a redhead. I don’t fit anywhere. Or maybe I fit everywhere. 😉 Poets should be subversive.
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Good advice and I don’t understand the color thing either. Not at all. Racism is TAUGHT. Your poem is wonderful.
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Thanks, Gigi. There’s too much hatred.
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Beautiful, Brenda! I’m working away from home and living in a hotel. Not a lot of time to blog, but what a wonderful respite visiting Friendly Fairy Tales is! Keep well!
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I hope the hotel and job are good to you. Love the new pictures.
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Just to step away from the awful subject of hatred (I simply don’t get it)….you must be thrilled at the lovely blossoming of your flowers! Maybe some day love will blossom too? We can hope!
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A beautiful metaphor
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Thanks, Derrick.
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what a lovely metaphor for such an ugly way to approach the world
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I guess I’m getting political, in my own quiet way. The news is so disturbing.
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Beautiful poem and flowers Brenda! God bless!
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Thank you!
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