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Becoming Epiphytic
Ever since the water disappeared
she has walked
through her colonnaded garden
watching the flowers die.
At first
they moaned a little
asking politely for a drink.
Ignored
they began to rebel
canceling all shows
withholding even a hint of color.
They withdrew and steeled themselves
for the ordeal in progress
having no idea
how long it would last.
She watched them
almost scientifically
offering no relief or apology.
There was no water
to be conjured
no estivation
no comfort in sleep.
The flowers
desperate and wounded
began to send their roots
farther afield.
She came every day
and once in a while
taking pity
nourished them a little
with a tear.
They wanted to live
to continue feeling her breath
upon their leaves and petals
her smile
and the luster in her eyes.
They explored deeper and deeper
into the earth
seeking life
in the most unlikely places.
Gradually the flowers
having tasted enough
of withered soil
and finding their lady's tears
too salty
learned to live on sunlight
and the moisture in the air.
Gradually
as they opened their petals
and grew leaves like wings
her presence
became unnecessary
and finally
catching a strong ocean breeze
they floated away
bobbing and dipping
dancing on the air
ignoring the rivers below.
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