SONG OF THE FLOWER

I am a kind word uttered and repeated by the voice of nature;

I am a star fallen from the blue tent upon the green carpet.

I am the daughter of the elements with whom winter conceived;

To whom Spring gave birth;

I was reared in the lap of Summer and I slept in the bed of Autumn.

At dawn I unite with the breeze to announce the coming of light;

At eventide I join the birds in bidding the light farewell.

The plains are decorated with my beautiful colours,

And the air is scented with my fragrance.

As I embrace slumber the eyes of night watch over me,

And as I awaken I stare at the sun,

Which is the only eye of the day.

I drink dew for wine, and harken to the voices of the birds,

And dance to the rhythmic swaying of the grass.

I am the lover’s gift; I am the wedding wreath;

I am the memory of a moment of happiness;

I am the last gift of the living to the dead;

I am a part of joy and a part of sorrow.

But I look up high to see only the light,

And never look down to see my shadow.

This is wisdom which man must learn.