If the tulip had bloomed any sooner,
it would be small, I imagine, or pale.
The work of green is the major thing,
and what is that work but rest
beneath the sun? Sure, cells scoot,
bearing the sugars like good news,
but the main task is reception.

You cannot say we should receive
the sun all at once, instantly develop,
nor call the gladiolus inferior for failing
to overtake the tulip.
Nature wouldn’t like it that way.
To bless us is to bid us wait.

The strengths subsequent to dependence
and delays reflect the feeding rays,
not an egoistic show.
This is why they are a sight to behold—
both fragile and bold.