the peonies return each year in late spring
larger than all of the other flowers
erupting in radiant ruffles of creamy pink
catching my eye with their brilliant luster
and striking splendor

after only a few days of sunlit beauty
they flop over toward the dirt in defeat
too heavy for the stems to bear
the flowers lose their majesty
in solemn surrender

you are like the peony
your bloom so spacious and bright
your light fills the room with vibrant colors
pinks, yellows, and reds
reaching out to caress those you love

listen to my voice
your inner beauty is steadfast
do not bow in defeat
to those who say your stems are weak
or that your roots are rotted and shallow

you embody the peony strength
but not her weakness
you will continue to bloom in abundance
held up and supported
in expanding resilience