blooming

A blooming pink jasmine frames the porch, and a quick-growing Sierra fig tree they got from the city for free will soon provide shade and fruit at the northeast edge of the front yard.

Past a blooming gold medallion tree, and at the end of a path of spaced concrete tiles, there’s a shed with a seafoam-green door that houses the heart of his life’s work.

When I'm at my most vulnerable, scouring social media for support, I'm slapped in the face by targeted ads of babies giggling, pregnancy bumps blooming, happy families, reminding me of everything I've lost.

And then the music—tender, blooming, sentimental and unforgettable.

I can also explain why, despite the snickers and stares and perpetually blooming bruises, it’s still worth it.