Camelias
Although they resemble lumps of snow,
Look closely to see how they grow
On branches bearing dark green leaves, firm and crisp,
In defiance of winter chill that turns breath to wisp,
To recall that brown and grey stem amid dead leaves
Cold has made slumber but must surge life in heaves
As soon as the season is right
When the forest’s forces recover their might
And warmth rallies its strength
Because the evergreens at length
Have persisted to bloom,
Never succumbing to gloom.
White of purity, white of peace,
Camelia’s petals open in release
Of spirit, joy, beauty, and love
At any hint of hope, any sign of the dove;
Against all odds that would life discourage
Camelia never gives up, never loses courage.
And so she poses and beckons in luminescent glow
Of rounded deep and wide richness upon all to bestow.
By Barbara Waldern
Masan, 2008