Peruvian Lilies

They awake to the sound of water
Inside each clear green sheathe
Energy stirs from quiescence
As beauty begins to breathe

Long steams wake from wilting
Like dancers prepared to fly
Stretched up, extended open
They lengthen toward the sky

A hundred glowing faces
Incandescent, full of light
Flushed like silken fire
Elemental second sight

Flower of the Inca’s earth
Ignite like fire’s flare
After drinking deep of water
Flourish up into the air

Abundant, breathing beauty
This living work of art
Lifts me with them to the heavens
Where they fill my soaring heart


©Edwina Peterson Cross