
The Rose (Ephathah*)
Ephathah, gentle bud,
Spread wide the soft, reluctant lips that
hide your silent tongue inside
their velvel sleeves.
Ephathah , blushing kiss,
to sing the breathless song of color,
tender scent, and graceful lay,
restaining it no longer.
Ephathah, swelling joy,
and burst the binding glove, at last
disclosing treasured secrets you've
laid away for this moment.
*Ephathah: See Mark 7:34.