Work Text:
My time here is limited. That’s okay. I’ve a purpose I’ll see through to its end.
It’s tough sometimes. Dark. Cold. Uncomfortable. Though another cares for me when Mother can’t, gives Their time and tending to me. They’ll both see me flourish, even if its brief.
When it happens, I surprise myself. All the effort, all the growth, it’s paid off! Do come see how far I’ve come. Let me give back to those who helped by shining bright for them.
Now, my time is up. That’s okay. I wish I could stay longer, by my work here is done.
I cannot survive this.
What have I done to deserve an early farewell, uprooted, displaced before reaching my potential?
But… it’s not an ending. Change merely feels that way sometimes. It’s a new beginning, or another path to where I need to be.
It’s different here, no longer a solitary bloom amongst nature. I am all They want to see, pride of place in their heart for as long as my time allows. They chose me.
No. By being myself, making it through, and being here, I chose them.
Thank you for finding me. I didn’t know I was lost.
Life is cyclical, Mother says. Those who came before help me endure as I will do the same to those who follow. I accepted this.
I sensed it in my water: the long sleep approaching. While I could, I turned toward the light and basked in it.
Life surprises, yet again.
It’s gentle when it happens, doesn’t hurt, though the transformation in the darkness is like starting again.
“There you are,” They say, lifting the press’s wooden cover to peer down at me and smile.
They are gone now. Life is cyclical. From where I hang, I see it all.