Florescence by Valerie Parente

A flower cannot grow
without drops of rain.
You cannot grow
without tears and pain.
When you hunch over
and the stalks begin to sprout
know that the petals come next
and you can stick this part out.

Bees do not sting
unless they feel threatened
supporting the flowers
until it sends them to heaven.
When you feel meaningless
and without a purpose
remember you have evolved
to coexist on earth’s surface.

It’s in your nature
to mirror nature.
It’s in your blood
to be enough.

– Valerie Parente (1-18-2026)