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.