In the Shade (Poetry)

I grew up in the shade
in a spot untouched by warmth
and indifferently watered,
my thriving down to Nature being obstinate.

Light drew me and, encouraged,
I had a brief but intense flowering -
an Indian Summer of the soul -
until the shade moved round again.

Chilled now, faded petals fold,
suspicious of the sun,
as shadow wraps me in the wait
for an impartial frost.