Reluctant To Let Go

Poppies are in full bloom here in Portland. Giant red umbrellas are nodding their heads up and down our street. All the flowers are in various stages. When I walked by this lovely poppy early in the morning, it was still clinging to it's bud.

"Just a moment longer, please? When my petals feel strong and less vulnerable, you may go..."

When I walked by later in the day, this brave poppy had shed it's bud cocoon and was waving confidently in the afternoon breeze. Well done, you.