Tilia cordata
First notice this:
I spiraled
into your heart,
then dropped
to your feet.
Now pick me up.
Bag me in a 50:50 mix
sharp sand to compost.
Place me in deep dormancy
first warm, no less than 680
for sixteen weeks, then chill me
for sixteen more at 390.
Be patient those eight months;
love takes time to root
in the substrate of life.
Do not forget me waiting
in your fridge,
harnessing my potential
to send down a radical,
push up a shoot, with two
fresh-from-seed
cotyledenous leaves.
Smile at me.
I will you.
I might have germinated
in the bag – or might not
– either way plant me
in a carefully chosen pot.
Wait for me
to stretch high,
become your oh so sweet
Linden love
and allow me to pluck
the cords of your heart.