Risking it

I am risking it with a flower
I am dropping all the bombs
and guns. I am cutting off all
the barbed wires, and joining
my hands in a prayer with this
flower placed in it, offering

this inner layer of my heart
these hardened hands worn out
by holding metal too long
not knowing the softness of a petal-

this color of sunshine, the openness
of sky – vastness of embrace
the deepening of green and brown
which knows no enemy. I am risking
it all with my lips pursed open

waiting for your smile.