I spy

close up photo of a bird sitting on a railing at the Adelaide Botanic Garden, surrounded by trees

Among greenery,
in quiet contemplation,
human-watching bird.

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.