For physical unfolding:
* Unfurl: This is the most direct synonym for "unfold" when referring to something physically opening up, like a flower blooming or a flag being raised.
* Expand: This suggests a gradual process of opening up, often with a sense of growth or increase in size.
* Disclose: This emphasizes the revealing of something hidden or concealed.
For metaphorical unfolding:
* Unravel: This implies the uncoiling of a complex situation or mystery, often with a sense of discovery or revelation.
* Bloom: This evokes a sense of blossoming or flourishing, suggesting a positive and gradual development.
* Emerge: This emphasizes the coming into view or becoming apparent, often after a period of hiddenness or obscurity.
* Rise: This implies a movement upward, often suggesting a sense of progress or elevation.
* Open: This is a simple but powerful word that can encompass many different types of unfolding, from physical to emotional.
Ultimately, the best word to use will depend on the specific context and the feeling you want to evoke in your poem.