AMONG THE LILY TIGERS

The lilies really put on a show this year,

an extravagance

against the cruel headlines.

The neighbors gushed,

each certain

this must be their first debut.

But they’ve been here for years—

the hard work of growing

known only

by those below.

This year they claimed the spotlight,

rising taller than the rest,

bursting open

as though they had a lot to say.

But it wasn’t until a child translated

that I understood.

Gigi, your Lily Tigers!

The child inside my chest

sat bolt upright in bed.

She took my grandson’s hand

through mine,

and off we went to play.

I didn’t point out

the work waiting to be done.

I didn’t warn her

of the pain yet to come.

Like the lilies,

I simply stood there in the sun.

I listened to the birds

without begrudging the bugs.

I didn’t linger

on my grief still fresh

nor the injustices beyond my view

I just let the child within me play

Among the Lily Tigers that day

© 2026 Carla Tanguay White