REQUIEM FOR A SUNFLOWER

Was May so long ago?
Do you remember when I broke the surface
of the spring ground with the dull blade
of last year's hoe?
Tossing a single seed into a shallow hole
then brushing dirt, gently at first,
into contact with its shell.
Pressing dirt firmly down
and then that first drink of water
you poured to quench a sleeping thirst.
One sleepy morning,
sooner than we could imagine
a hint of green poking its head
in search of friendly skies.
Face, always brightly turning toward the light,
growing faster than its back could bear,
a sturdy stake, a crutch, its companion.
In full glory, the days became too heavy
and the haloed head sank to its chest.
Some think these are the saddest times
but I treasure sunflower's wisdom
as I, too, bow to my creator
in these, my final days.

inspired by photograph and poetry prompt from Christine Valters Paintner at http://abbeyofthearts.com