Photosynthesis

The work begins in the sunlight--
Pale light, soft light, harsh light,
shade and shield your eyes light--
Without it, what flowers,
what words, would grow?

Drink words like water.
Lie flat and absorb each drop
as they soak the soul.

Let them, like the twinkling dew,
linger from last night.

For the hunger,
accept all colors but green,
and still seem green, but only seem.
Dare to create sweetness
with what would kill a man.
Breathe in death to give out life.

Let darkness come--
the labor of the cells
comes stronger in the sleeping.
Like a plant,
the one in love with words
works hardest as he dreams.

Photo courtesy of mit.edu