In 2016 I want to be a Sunflower

Let me tell you some interesting facts about sunflowers

Sunflower that grows so vast, so unapologetic

Only needing six months to double to twelve feet

90 days from planting to mature

Heads rich with thousands of flowers joined at their feet

Sunflowers bring all the birds to the yard

They shine so bright

Unafraid of the competition

They give warmth and light

And they track sunlight: scientists call this heliotropism

The seeds they leave behind

Rich in oil, used for food and land

And in 2016 I want to be a sunflower

A soul flower

Booming without fear

With my sun kissed melanin rich skin

Yes, I want to be a sun flower

One who shines so bright

~The Sun flower’s secrets

— Bethlehem S. Belaineh