Magnolia, by Leslie Archibald

Rising Magnolia, by Susan Meeks (USA) contemporary

Magnolia 
 
Water her and she will bloom. Swirls 
of white chocolate petals unfold
from green caps resting on leaves shadowed
by light and darkness.
 
Caramel edges indicate time
passing. Fragile evolution soft spoken
strength. She celebrates this moment
embraces circumstance and cheers
 
on tiny buds that surround her waiting
for their turn, waiting for renewal
rebirth.

Leslie Archibald

Leslie Archibald, a graduate of the University of Houston, writes poetry, flash fiction, and nonfiction in a tiny home office in Houston, Texas. When she is not writing, she is likely roaming the city photographing Houston’s unique character, dabbling in watercolours, and exploring multimedia literature. She was the board treasurer for Writespace, a Houston literary arts centre, and currently works at a full-time office position while writing and editing part time. Leslie is a slush reader and nonfiction writer for Interstellar Flight Press. Her work appears in The Best of Tales of Texas Vol 2 and Synkroniciti Magazine Vol 5 No.4 and Vol 6 No.4.