Withered tulip at the New York Botanical Garden (Bronx, New York)—May 3, 2025.

Occasionally one comes across something unforgettable in nature. This aged tulip really stood out among the almost countless tulips for what it seemed to represent. It stood as a symbol of enduring grace. Set against the silent background I created through a blend of processing, the solitary flower is a quiet requiem for transience, where every fold of the petal holds a whispered memory. It offers a vivid reminder that nature is beautiful even in its final gestures.