07/08/2025
The Flower That Sleeps at Noon
Some flowers greet the morning like clockwork.
They open their faces to the sun as if it’s the only thing worth doing.
And then… they go to bed before the day is halfway done.
This one is called Jack-go-to-bed-at-noon.
A curious little name for a curious little flower.
⸻
In the early hours, his yellow petals are wide awake,
catching the light, catching the breeze,
catching the eye of anyone willing to stop and notice.
By midday, those same petals fold in —
a small, quiet declaration:
“I’ve had enough for today.”
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Long ago, the shepherds noticed his habit.
They called him Shepherd’s Clock.
When his blossoms began to close, they knew
— without a single tick or tock —
it was time to lead the flock toward shade.
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Jack-go-to-bed-at-noon doesn’t rush to stay awake all day.
He doesn’t force himself to keep shining.
He knows the value of rest…
of retreat…
of choosing his moments to bloom.
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And if you ask the fairies — they’ll tell you
that Jack keeps a secret:
he closes his petals to dream.
Dreams of warmer mornings.
Dreams of bees and wind-song.
Dreams of being seen… and not being seen.
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I think about Jack when I feel guilty for resting.
When I try to keep my light on, long past when I need it.
The world tells us to bloom endlessly —
but maybe the world has forgotten
that even flowers have their closing hour.
⸻
The next morning, Jack is there again.
Yellow and open, bright as ever.
He hasn’t lost anything by resting.
If anything, he has more to give.
And so, I whisper as I pass by:
“Good morning, Jack. I’ll rest when I need to… and I’ll bloom when it’s time.”
⸻
Some flowers keep time in silence.
Some keep it with petals.
And some…
remind us that the day can still be beautiful,
even if we don’t see all of it.
