Floral Solace

He flipped the delicate Lotus Flower from one palm into the other Wondering about a world of meaning for petals in transitory circles Painted a moon and sun giving birth to all life and death just the same One hand cannot clap on its own and he firmly gave thanks to nature A long war had left him intact and the red petals painted over blood He preferred the Buddha’s gentle plants over grave yard poppies Although even a soldiers’ grief erodes over spaces of impermanence When autumn fell upon prayer and crimson hope of togetherness He dried his sorrows and awaited the wind to blow away sad tears Settled in memories of harvest and lit a lantern made from parchment As seeds succumbed to hibernation he tightened his ruby loin cloth For it was winter and a snow storm loomed behind magical mountains Clouds gathered at the edge of a hillside where he sought shelter and peace Safe in a cradle of comfort and finite belonging he tasted the new season And held the picturesque flower in his mind to weather its benevolent change 29th October 2019 Writing Challenge, October, 2019 - Flower or Flowers -  Sponsor, Dear Heart - Wiishkobi Ode