I wonder as I wander, as I keep my distance from others, mask my smile, quicken my pace, hurry back home.

I wonder as I wander, about the flowers who have been sleeping, have struggled against the confines of soil, have propelled themselves upwards by instinct, have made grand their entrance into the world only to find it empty.

I wonder as I wander, as I see them straining upwards, resting wearing heads on metal fence.

I wonder as I wander, if they notice we are missing as they determinedly navigate the openings, the gaps, the spaces between earth and iron in their quest for the sky.