Growing up

Storm clouds gathering,
taking off against the wind—
child leaves parents’ home.

Confidence

Standing on its own,
unabashed by staring eyes,
bald and bold blue gum.

Fighter

close up photo of the first leaf of a sunflower pushing from the earth, with a shoe print on top of it — My housemate accidentally stepped on a patch we’d sowed sunflowers in, and the next morning, the first leaf had emerged

Smothered underfoot,
weight of the earth over it,
sunflower rises.

Light therapy

photo of two old melaleuca trees with the sunlight shining on them, causing a rainbow effect

Slowly drawing strength,
steadily exposed to light,
the young thrive outdoors.

Looks

close up photo of the spiky buds and the purple flowers of Stork's-Bills, also known as erodium plants. — Stork’s-Bills, also known as erodium plants

Pointy and scary
buds looking mean, aggressive—
give way to flowers