kangaroo paws

sometimes i wonder if it is as simple as the kangaroo paws planted in the backyard. 

a flash of memory, learning, noticing 

a wild orchid unfurling, reaching out and closing around me. notice me.

this one is different. five petals not three...six

all an illusion in the end. 

hungering for communion 

it was one of the sadly novel moments as a young girl 

where i saw my mom as an individual, with her own personality, 

ideas, and feelings unbeknownst to me 

here, she planted a kangaroo paw because she found them beautiful 

how simple and groundbreaking a moment it was 

i remember it so vividly.