We have not touched the stars,
nor are we forgiven, which brings us back
to the hero’s shoulders and the gentleness that comes,
not from the absence of violence, but despite
the abundance of it.
― Richard Siken, Crush

Below is the original photo used to create this image. It was sent to me by a good friend who happens to spend his days outside as a postal carrier. These lovelies were found along his delivery route. No special lighting or retouching, just a snap from his smart phone.