The            of Love

The wind blew
and down from the tree fell a pinecone.
It was tightly bound upon itself, but
it nearly hit me.
The tree seemed to say "Here, take me"
And I did.
This gift slowly opened itself and revealed itself
Inside - its seeds - wispy and silky.
I spread those seeds, but still keep the pinecone safe.
This is the possessiveness of love.

Giving way to gentle hands, I unfold my scales
tenderness exposed
vulnerable parts revealed
yielding to your touch I find strength -
trust blooming;
roots! - the bond lengthening;
trees growing.
This is the surrender to love.

And then - there I am -
thirsty. I drink from my bottle and
gently consider the needles of the sapling.
I spill an amount for you - pinecone -
Then - a quenching kismet -
Light fills the sky and a crash echoes from your trunk!
The sky opens
And refreshes us both.
This is the need of love.

Context is chosen -
This is the growth of love.