The peace lily is growing a flower

The peace lily is growing a flower. Perhaps

being bisected with a serrated bread knife

was the jolt it needed. Until now, it has

only birthed turgid dark green leaves.

The white bulb grows taller but refuses

to unfurl, like a semaphore signaller

who doesn’t know the actions. I want to say,

I’m proud of you, but you cannot say I’m proud

of you to a raised white flag. It is both giving up

and thriving, and I suppose I am doing the same.

Grace Shelley (she/her) is a writer and teacher from Tāmaki Makaurau. She edits Overcommunicate, a literary journal which publishes work by queer writers and artists. Her writing has been published in Mayhem, Milly Magazine, and Tarot.