The Cowslip’s Lesson

In the hush beneath the cedar limbs,
A cowslip bloomed with quiet grace—
No trumpet call, no need for praise,
Just rooted deep in its green place.

While sunlit orchids sought acclaim,
And foxgloves danced in scarlet hue,
She whispered, “I was never meant
To outshine stars, just sip the dew.”

I thought of all the times I tried
To be the loudest in the room,
To shout my love, to claim my space,
Afraid my silence spelled my doom.

But walking hand in hand with her,
My wife, my stillness, gentle balm—
I saw the cowslip in my chest
And bloomed anew beneath her calm.

© Susie Stiles-Wolf