Artichoke

by: Nicole K.

I once was an artichoke, keeping my petals tight and firm
But then the heat of the day made my green shield waver and squirm
Thankfully the Gardner came to my aid
Watering my roots as I began to fade
Then something happened I did not expect
The Gardner picked me from my bush and I began to fret
My prickly petals were trimmed of their spikes
And I was put into boiling water…losing my strength; my might
I fought as hard as I could but the hot water surrounded me
Causing my petals and heart to become tender as I thought they would never be
I was plucked from the heat, exhausted and weak
Too tired to put up a fight…my future looked very bleak
The Gardner then pulled my petals away
Leaving my heart for all to see on display
Now, I understand what it means to let my petals go
And have a tender heart for everyone to see and everyone to know
It took being refined by heat
And the Garndner’s hands that trimmed me so neat
Yes, there are times when I yearn for my petals to be near
But with my Gardner by my side, I have nothing to fear