Peonies
↳ Roses and peonies by Vincent van Gogh, 1886-06
Small and dense, a knot works its way upwards.
Slowly, coaxed by desperation it unfurls; ever-consuming.
Roots penetrate the foundations,
Syphoning off what little is left of you, stunting growth.
Sunlight comes through the window,
Illuminating peonies as they slowly begin to bloom.
I hope to grow with them,
but I expect to be surpassed.