A poem by Kate Swindlehurst
We arrived, barely out of bud
Folded inward, giving nothing away
Beyond the faint blush on our lips
You thought you had the measure of us –
Pale, unassuming, delicate
You would look after us
We would be no trouble
You watch as we open
Marvel at our intricate markings
And peer inside us, scrutinising
The golden secrets at our heart
Don’t be fooled!
Notice our sturdy stems
The strength in our numbers –
No pushover, see how we stretch tall
Robust, unbending
Reaching for the light
Read by Kate, soundscape by the company
Tulips, a study in felt tip by Julie Digby