Althea

Morning light bleeds color into the smoky night
The orb of dawn seeps out from behind the hills
Pieces at a time until made perfect
at the crest of a knoll.

Awakened in a mound of earth is a withered flower
Stroked back to life by golden fingers
Petals soft and unsure
Coaxed open by moist daylight’s song.

Endless is its name, endless is its beauty
A smile tender and fanned about a crimson heart.

Althea is a blossom that rises with the sun
Is put to sleep when the white moon appears
Because every day is a new life
it does not fear death. 



___

FYI: The rose of Althea, or 'Hibiscus Syriacus', is called 'mugunghwa' in Korean. 'Mugung' 
means 'endless', 'hwa' means 'flower'. It is the national flower of South Korea.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Gi-Sa Avatar
November 20, 2017 at 12:38 PM
This is a personal favorite of mine from you Grace, I love the nature and nostalgia you incorporate in certain poems.
Dietrich Avatar
July 3, 2010 at 12:14 AM
wow, your entry was amazing, Grace! congrats on your win. LUv, Andrea
Freeman Avatar
July 2, 2010 at 10:34 PM
Congratulations, Grace on your 5th place. Agape, Moses
Fraser Avatar
July 2, 2010 at 12:57 PM
Beautiful poetry Grace, thank you for sharing this gem with us. Many congratulations on your win in Constance's lovely contest >> James
Brown Avatar
July 2, 2010 at 10:16 AM
Congratulations Grace on your poem being in the spotlight in A Rambling Poet's contest "The Flower". Love, Carol
Conway Avatar
July 1, 2010 at 8:22 PM
Wonderful poem for a beautiful flower - Congrat's on your win!~Tirzah~
Johnson Avatar
July 1, 2010 at 7:58 PM
I thought I knew most flowers ,gardener that I am but this is new to me. Probably too much rain here for her sun loving self. Congratulations on your win. Love, Joyce
Sweetheart Avatar
July 1, 2010 at 6:57 PM
Congrats Grace on your winning poem in the Flower contest with a lovely write about the rose.. perfect poem for a perfect win .. enjoy .. with luv from the "Sweetheart" in Hawaii.. amongst flowers in the Garden Isle.. AlohA...
La France Avatar
July 1, 2010 at 6:42 PM
Congratulations, Grace, on 5th place in my Flower Contest, with this beautiful poem... Love Constance
Kendrick Avatar
June 26, 2010 at 3:28 AM
Althea is one of my favorites..The purple and pale pink being my favorite colors of that particular flower..They are influenced by the sun and moon like the moon flower or lunar flower ...Glad that you penned this one..Sara
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace