I was meant to bloom— unfurl, sing, and shine, not be tended or trimmed, not molded for duty and possession.
I was meant to bloom, not decorate an entropic cave, not drizzle in vain someone’s emptiness with the sweetness of my effervescent petals— infusing their spoiled, sour strands.
Even in the drought, I drank rainbows through my veins. My tendrils breathed warmth into soil, while the sky hid behind clumped clouds. I stretched toward muffled sunlight.
I was meant to bloom.
And then it rained, not to nourish or cleanse. Poured. Unstoppable— the ground swelled, my petals sagged, roots dislodged, my garden drenched to swamp.
Yet I stand, sturdy but hollow. They nest in my shade, leech my youth, and — call it love.
Slowly, quietly, I sink.
Still—
Dreaming of butterflies, even a wilt can reach the sun. Single ray ignites its desire.
Butterflies will come And I will bloom… as I was always meant to.
Author’s Note: Not everyone who stands tall is thriving. Not every flower is there for you to pick. For every time you bloomed in silence, offered too much, or were mistaken… This one is personal. 🌸
Author’s Note: This piece may look familiar, but like passion itself, poetry evolves. I removed the unrefined version a while ago because it felt unfinished, incomplete. I let it fully breathe, then reshaped it—until it became what it was always meant to be. This is the latest version, more final. Though still… insatiable. 🙂
I’ve always felt drawn to full moons. My grandma used to call me a child of the night, and I guess she was right. Last night’s Hunter’s Moon felt especially mystical, barely visible through the folding LA clouds, like the closing of a chapter. We all move through phases in life—sometimes we shine brightly, and other times we retreat into stillness, reflecting. At least, some of us do.
I used to love running at night under the full moon. Its silvery glow lit up my feet and the quiet streets, and I was captivated by it. But one night, I got hit by a car, and… well, that put an end to those midnight runs. Afterward, I embraced walks with their quiet wisdom, listening to what the night had to offer instead of sweating through it. You can spot me in the neighborhood, collecting my thoughts, often sipping hot tea. It’s the closest I get to meditation. The quiet has its own way of sparking ideas, doesn’t it?
No matter where you are, take a moment to look up. You might catch a glimpse between the clouds—maybe a thought, or even an answer to something that’s been resting heavy on your heart. These are moments meant for reflection. And dream.
A dreamy glimpse of you, and the whole Universe disappears. Irresistibly captivated; I venture into the cosmos of your glowing eyes— The only two stars left in the vast multiverse, so dazzling; so bright.
I dive into their stellar space… Eclipsed in the moment, I surrender to your orbit, Lost, like a silent asteroid in an endless cosmic sea.
Tangled in the gravity of your embrace, Time slows, a mystical clock suspends its hands. Only a breath divides us. I gravitate toward you, like stardust drawn to light. The magnetism of your heart pulls me near—so near my pounding heartbeat dances with yours, a cosmic rhythm— Two souls meeting the unknown.
Yet, you bring me closer, and our breaths melt into one.
In the heat of supernova passion, my eyes close; like clouds veiling the sun, awaiting the magic astral tick… Our lips collide; like two meteors in a vast galaxy, Painting a new constellation of unspoken promises.
Amidst the warmth of a golden day, Reality alighted on my shoulders. Its big eyes pierced through mine, Penetrating the deepest cellar of my soul;
Time’s relentless run paused—for a beat. I sat on my paddleboard, Soft waves caressing it tenderly, like a lullaby. I drifted… Enveloped by a floating magic carpet of infinite blue…
I marveled at the sunlight’s delicate strokes, Feathering the crests of waves. All calm as it was blue; Infinite, linear, and placid.
In this evanescent flash, Time stretched for breaths, In slow, harmonic sways, While birds above Soared as freely as my thoughts.
I surrendered my worries, Opening the door to joy and gratitude, Their bold entrance filling my heart With peace and serenity.
I spread my fragile, ethereal wings And released my spirit to rise high, Beyond enchanted realms, Surpassing all earthly bliss. Just for a moment… For this is short-lived contentment.
In that ephemeral flight, the wind’s whisper Reminded me of reality awaiting my return.
Like a brief summer breeze, Life passes swiftly; Our precious time is fleeting — a spark in the shadow of eternity.
Soon, we’ll drown In the endless night of forever-darkness. Like a rock plummeting into the deepest canyon, We’ll become a hollow thud— A forgotten echo in numbed stillness. Every memory of us disintegrating, Into grains in dust scattered by the wind.
In the stillness of the night, I sit by the glowing campfire, Embraced by an endless blanket of warm stars. I lean my head on the moon’s shoulder, And he envelops me gently with his radiance, Shielding me from the encroaching shadows of loneliness.
I stir my dreams in the cauldron of twilight, Each bubble—a wish sent on a moonbeam, Every string of steam—a spiral of hope, For your fleeting gaze to fill the hollows of my heart.
Like a Witch amidst the dancing flames, I fervently invoke the celestial light. Could I cast a spell to attract your affection? No… I can’t… I won’t bewitch your heart… I loathe cursed adoration. I shun false and deceptive masquerades.
Still, Evil sneaks in with his deceits, Haunting me with wicked lures of delusion, Invading my thoughts, polluting my consciousness. At night, when darkness closes my eyes, His demons plunge their claws into my bleeding heart.
Yet, bolted to the sacred stone of pristine sincerity, I tower tall, siding with purest honesty, Inviting blooming, genuine love. I yearn for crimson passion, an ethereal weave, And your heartfelt desire for me—rooted deeply in utter truth.
I nurture a single seed of hope that One day, a flicker of your attention Will find its way to me And ignite sincere feelings for me.
Why is love so elusive? Do the flames’ gentle flickers hold the answer? Their tender whispers enchant me, Soothing my heart as I wait for you. For I cannot erase you from my mind.
Have you noticed that you can’t fake having a great time? Think about those photos from your happiest moments—genuine joy always shines through, right? You wouldn’t be snapping pictures if you weren’t truly enjoying yourself. Even selfies meant to show off on social media are usually taken in fantastic places or during significant events. This weekend, I experienced something that profoundly clarified this for me. As I looked at some pictures, I perceived more than just sincere smiles. I uncovered something unexpected and deeply revealing about capturing genuine happiness.
On Saturday, I went to a friend’s birthday party. For the first time in a long while, it wasn’t a kid’s party! I mean a real grown-up party! It was a small gathering of a few close friends and their children. The kids played inside a big house while the parents sat outside on the patio, overlooking the beautiful San Fernando Valley. The sun was shining brightly, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of desert flowers, making it a perfect June afternoon.
As we cracked jokes, sipped our drinks, and relaxed, we noticed the sun beginning to set. It seemed like the ideal time to watch it from the surrounding secluded rocky-desert landscape. We decided to go for a short hike around the property. The lone-standing house was at the top of a mountain with no neighbors nearby. The air was crisp, and our giggles echoed in the vast, open space. As we ventured out to watch the beautiful sunset, we climbed some rocks and snapped a lot of amazing photos. There were more jokes and lots of laughter.
Today, I looked at the photos, and surprisingly, almost all of them turned out great! Even the group photos show big smiles, lots of teeth, and glowing eyes! I was amazed by how genuinely happy everyone looked. There was no major posing; the photos captured spontaneous moments of delight. It was exceptionally wonderful! I realized that genuine happiness is unforced and naturally caught in moments of joy. It cannot be fabricated! It is evident in natural, unrehearsed expressions and interactions.
Reflecting on these moments, I recognize their preciousness. In a world where so much can feel staged and superficial, it’s the authentic experiences that truly matter. Our photos are not just images; they are memories of laughter, connection, and real fun—not meant to show off or impress anyone. They remind me that the best moments in life are often the simplest, shared with those we care about most. They allow to appreciate the value of spontaneous joy and genuine connections. Don’t let these moments slip away. Recognize and cherish them, for they serve as luminous lighthouses radiating strong and bright in our ordinary, sometimes dark days—the true highlights of our lives. Sometimes the simplest and ordinary points in time are the most amazing ones!
Our lives are like the rain falling from the sky, Sometimes gentle, like a whisper—an unnoticed sigh. A light rain on a warm day, no big deal, Just a kiss from the heavens—a bliss to feel.
A single drop on a leaf, a sweet graceful dance, It slides to the tip, then takes its chance. As it dives to the ground, the leaf bounces back, A tranquil scene—a peaceful act.
Yet when the rain pours, in torrents and sheets, The leaf takes the blows, withstanding the beats. It’s under attack from raindrop-heavy punches, Just like we face challenges in unpredictable bunches.
But the rain pounds harder when the storms rage, Life’s troubles cascade, taking over the whole stage. People like leaves, caught in the fray, Fighting like raindrops on a stormy day.
And then comes the hurricane, wild and free, Ripping apart the tallest tree! Life’s greatest storms, we cannot predict, They tear through our lives, leaving us kicked.
We cannot control the weather and the rain, Just like life’s joys and moments of pain. But we can stand firm, like the leaf on the tree, Bouncing back after each drop, strong and free.
Yet, rainbows emerge, vibrant and bright, Everyone points with pure delight. A promise of beauty after the rain, A reminder of joy after moments of pain.
For every storm that shakes the ground, There’s a magical rainbow waiting to be found. In the dance of the rain, in the calm and the strife, We find the essence, the beauty of life.
In the hush of falling rain, I find my peace, A gentle rhythm that makes life’s chaos cease. While others scurry, seeking shelter from the storm, I embrace the rain, with its touch of calm.
I love raindrops kissing my hair and face, Falling softly with such grace. With my eyes closed, I listen to nature’s song, A pluvial symphony—a magical place where I belong.
I reminisce, at sixteen, my transcendent stroll, Barefoot and alone on a countryside roll. Shoes in hand, black mini-skirt on, Singing in the rain, for hours till dawn.
Skipping uphill as the rain runoff drenched my feet, Still blithe in a joyful dance to a rhythmic beat. Soaking wet, yet feeling no cold, Just the playful splash—a secret for decades untold.
So let the rain fall, let it pour, For in its harmony, my spirit soars! While others panic, fear its might, I find my solace in the rainy night.
“Marry the one you love,” said the heart confidently. “If you listen to me, then you will know who and when.” “No,” said the brain. “Your heart is deceitful. Marry the person that is right for you.” “How do you know who is right?” I asked. “The right man is a good man. He treats you well and will take care of you. You will have a good life with him,” assured the brain. “But what about love?” I asked the brain. “Love is an abstract concept, undefined,” answered the brain. “It can be learned through years of mutual respect and understanding. This path provides stability and security, which are essential for a long-lasting relationship.” “What about passion, the intense feelings that make my heart race, and the sensuality that brings us closer?” I asked curiously. “Do what’s right for you. Feelings are deceptive,” reassured the brain. “Passion and sensuality can fade, but mutual respect and understanding grow stronger over time.” “How do I know what’s right and what’s deceptive?” I asked, confused. The brain did not answer.
“Let me ask my guts,” I said, seeking clarity. “Marry the one you love, my dear,” said Guts. “You can’t learn love; you have to feel it. If you follow my guidance, you’ll know deep inside it’s not deceptive. Following your heart brings happiness, joy, and deep emotional fulfillment, making life more meaningful.” “Guts, but what if he doesn’t love me?” “There is nothing you can do about his feelings,” Guts said gently. “If you love him but he doesn’t love you back, it will break your heart. Are you ready to take this risk, my dear?” So I asked my heart, “Are you ready to be broken?” but my heart remained silent. Then I asked my brain, “Can a life without love still be happy?” but my brain gave no response. “I don’t know what to do!” I cried in despair.
Then Guts continued, “If you listen to your brain, it’s a wise decision, but your heart will be empty. Stability and security come with this choice, but you might feel unfulfilled. If you listen to your heart, then you might get hurt. Love and passion bring joy but also vulnerability. But if you go with what I tell you, you’ll find a balance between emotion and logic, guiding you towards what feels fundamentally right.” Guts went on to say, “Listen to your heart’s calling. Consulting your brain means marrying for reasons other than love. Ultimately, the decision is yours. Trust your intuition to balance both perspectives.”
I did not follow my guts. Now, I find myself at a crossroads, wondering if the path I chose was truly the one meant for me. The puzzle of love, logic, and instinct continues to shape my journey, a riddle we all face regardless of gender. We make mistakes, our choices sometimes lead to heartbreak, or things turn out differently than we expected. Yet, we search and follow love again. These internal battles and the lessons we learn from them make us more empathetic and wise. Ultimately, if you choose logic, you may find yourself longing for love, as I am now. When children come into the picture, it can be difficult to turn things around, but these experiences further enrich our understanding and meaning of love.
Wolverine Lily 