Open

I

A tightly closed bud

Bursts forth in an explosion.

Radiant colors!

II

Hushed notes crescendo, 

Rising, exquisite climax,

Sensual, sublime.

III. 

In opening - joy,

Vulnerable, yet beautiful -

Reveals God's glory.

(Photo: Tyler Arboretum on Earth Day 2016)

Treasure

The things that I treasure

Are not money and power.

In the end, they fade.

But give me beauty

In the love of another,

Laughter, art, and faith.

(photo: North Rim, Grand Canyon, September 2011)