The Four 0’Clock Flower

Mirabilis Jalapa.*

Like a spinster you move through daylight, in plain full view, drab plumage un-detected. Out of fashion, mothball smelling skin. Papery. Hair in a tight coil.

No whispering breezes waft promise - what’s yet to come, so others lure to your presence. Arms folded, layers cover you like petals tucked tight around your stem.

Midday fading towards late afternoon begins a transformation. As when lights go down in an auditorium, the stage a blaze of brightness or an attentive lover hovers, intent on peeling away outer layers, reveal true nature.

The song-bird himself parachutes from his high perch to sing at your colours. Your hour has come.

* Mirabilis Jalapa is the flower that comes to its true beauty late in the day