they question motives
as all good scientists should
will their stems sun-stretch?

be the begonia
is this year’s inspiration
its difference is clear

not heart-shaped wither
soil-sensitive to live
pretty, yes, but weak

mother-in-law tongues
that survive a hundred years
don’t bend toward the sun

but my begonia?
a gift given before Spain?
it lives beyond dreams

be the begonia
not the wanton bamboo sprout
the sun seeks your strength