Unknown Muse by Devin Riddle

My first plant was a vibrant yellow tulip

Leading to my first obsession 

Wanting to take a sunbath in the pollen;

I plucked the flower from the pot 

And a mush of brown began to appear 

Swallowing my obsession into the roots 

To a reflection of petals that deceive 

Discovering that through the soil I’d grown into my own 

Becoming known as both yellow and mush of brown  

Overwatered unable to know contentment 

Devin Riddle currently lives in Savannah, Georgia. Her work has been previously featured in Sit Lux Literary Journal and The Moonstone Arts Center New Voices Spring: 2025. She focuses on themes of growing up, mental health, & religion.