the potted dipladenia on my porch
only reveal their wine-red delicacy
when watered well
there’s a lesson in there
somewhere                  I wonder
was it the wintertime
the aridity between
the desiccated care
that withered us out 

we shed each other like
snakes shed old skin
for newer seasons
may it be of sweetness
with new kin
            may the ground
we slide on stay smooth
like dipladenia leaves
after the rains

– Nzeru Aquilar Nsaí