Precious

Rain-soaked
tattered
beaten thin
so thin there are holes

Rubbish on the sidewalk
another piece of trash for others to walk over
But I see it.
I marvel at it.
At the precious bend of it's lip
At the rainbow of colors
At the delicate pieces connected to the whole

The colors do not match with the surroundings
Where did it come from?
I walk my eyes around the courtyard
nothing else is this color
Where did you come from?

Did you fly free from your stem
and land in this oasis?
Did a bird grasp you for a present
but let you slip?
Did the wind tear you from your home
and then fade away, leaving you here?

I should have picked you up when I had a chance
because when I came back, you were gone.
Swept away and disposted
in the name of clearing the clutter.

But to me, you welcomed me.
You greeted me.
You called out to me.
You saw me.
And I missed you when you were gone.

To me, you were precious.
Wherever you are, I hope you know that.

September 9, 2018