Photo is a peony edited a bit. Much like the person the poem was written for. Sometimes the outward form conceals and masks the true essence hidden and protected deep within. The link is to an audio of its reading.
http://www.platosgroove.com/2018/02/peony-hidden-in-her-heart/
She hides a Peony in her heart
Among the folds of its pretty pink petals
Lie her treasures, her secrets, her pain
A fragrant bitter-sweet space few have known
Born in the time of blooming
Where the delicate bright light of summer danced off golden locks
Fine, nimble lines formed Her flesh
Curious, playful, alive like the season was Her soul
Then Summer supplanted by Winter's cold sleep
Innocence salvaged, secreted, saved
Secured beyond the reach of Man or Mother
She hid a peony in her heart
Competent. clever, accomplished
Stoking the fires of others, mending their broken seams
Someone always needing Her to help, to fix, to figure out
Their assuming and her doing protects the flower of Her heart
Most days frantic functioning under calm sweet smile
But on occasion energy dissipates, walls weaken
A petal will drop from time to time leaving traces
If you would know Her follow the petals to Her heart
For She hides a peony there
And She longs to let it grow
