tulip

between rusted pipes,

ditches, overturned dirt 

laced with garbage; 

aside a city street 

vibrating from traffic 

fouling morning air; 

in view of blank human faces  

walking, driving, riding, 

to destinations of dire need; 

a tulip. 

pale yellow. 

proud petals. 

rising alone. 

desiring nothing 

but sun and rain 

to nurture life's brevity, 

offer vision over indifference 

for passersby,

and give pause

to anyone stopping

for a backward glance.

Poem (c)2006 by R. Burnett Baker

Photo(c)2009 by R. Burnett Baker