Velvet Husk Veneer

The sun rises; brightening concealing shadows of a hidden grove into full view,
Skies in hues of vibrant azure shades, banish lingering twilight,
As the sunbeams make their way to illuminate colorful foliage,
Buzzing, busy bumblebee races to forage the choicest bounty,
Sunflower petals glowing; backlit by the dawn creeping across the horizon,
Evident in the center, are seeds encased by protective, splintery shells,
Cawing raven circles the collection of yellow blooms, on the blackest of wings,
Sunflower rests in the comfort of knowledge of tender seeds' rebirth,
Sensing vibrations created from paper-thin wings of its pollinator,
Cause the blossoms to expand and spread to welcome a tiny visitor,
Alighting upon its cherished treasure, promising future beauty multiplied,
Powder covers the laborer bee in a fine dusting of purfumed spores,
Joy & fear; acceptance & denial; trusting Mother Earth aligning with Father God,
Gentle breeze carries the predatory, feathered scavenger within striking distance,
Terror escapes soundlessly as the raven dives to scourge the delicate plant,
Cascades of parched seedlings rain down onto red clay, crumbling dirt,
Single sprout gains momentum to penetrate loosened top soil; covered in gritty silk,
Tendrils strive to break free from confining coffins to produce sacred growth,
Shoots of greenery push up through weeds and gravel denying precious sacrament,
Dewdrops nourish the bud luxuriously to germinate into a spiney stalk,
Overhead, the elder, statesman sunflower watches with pride as the bambino survives.