Wednesday 28 April 2010

In the Spring of Five Hundred Tulips

In the Spring of five hundred tulips
the butterfly arrived again.
A brief flying visit
to examine the cherry and birch
before her summer sojourn.
I did see her.
I did not imagine her.
But that was weeks ago.
The tulips are fading now,
blown out, rusty at the edges,
pouting at the heat
creeping in.
We put out worms
for the birds, dried and brittle,
but it was the monkjack
who ate the tulips,
a feast of five hundred tulips,
while we waited and watched
the end of Spring.

Rain is in the earth today.
I am walking on rain today.
Hot yellow daisies grow fast
and thick around my feet.
And where the cherry tree stands,
the green is littered with white starlight.
Fallen blossom everywhere.
I am walking on stars.
And reading aloud from the stories of saints
to the listening birds and flies and worms...

I will be in hospital as you read this, attached to the drips for monoclonal antibody therapy.
I haven't been doing much lately, just hurting, like an ancient grandfather clock that needs winding soon. What is that lovely English saying? I am running Out of Puff!

So for now, I shall walk on a little more. On rain. And fallen stars.

14 comments:

mermaid gallery said...

Hurting is awful...there is too much pain....but we read your words and you touch us.... You see the beauty anyways. That is wisdom.....

Tess Kincaid said...

I wish you five hundred tulips and much puff, Shaista. xx

Unknown said...

How you have turned your pain into something beautiful, what courage. Thanks for reminding me that I too can channel my pain. Hugs to you.

Aayushi Mehta said...

Beautiful poem.
Hope you don't suffer too much, and find the faith to make it through, every time.

Jeannette StG said...

This morning I was walking on rain too, Shaista! Go to my blog, and you'll you see some of my tulips:)
Have a great rest of the week!

Sam Liu said...

I hope everything goes well for you, Shaista. This was a wonderful, lyrical poem and I loved reading it, your skill is breathtaking.

Jo said...

"The tulips are fading now,

blown out, rusty at the edges,
pouting at the heat

creeping in."
That is beautiful.

I think about you all the time, and hope you are doing well, Shaista. Be well...!

Cheers,

Jo

Maggie May said...

I'm sorry you are hurting. Pain that does not relent is impossible to understand unless you have been through it. My prayers and heart are with you, your words are with me.

* said...

This is delightful. Hope your hospital stay is productive. Your bravery is inspiring.

PS: I have a Spring themed Poetry contest going on over at my blog this week. This poem would be a great entry (hint, hint!).

karen said...

Oh dear sweet friend I hope you are doing better and not hurting. I'll be keeping you in my positive thoughts and sending you my love and hugs. xxoo
Beautiful poem...

lupie said...

Oh dear sweet, sweet friend..
Recover soon.
Feel better soon.
Will pray for you.

Unknown said...

I admire your words and love this poem.Hope you feel brighter and better soon.

Yin said...

Sending many thoughts of sunshine and cake. Am blown out like the tulips. Heal well, Shai!

Cait said...

All the best for you and your treatment, Shaista, and thank you for your sweet words.

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