Gardenia

Leaf from the Album "Dreaming of Traveling while in Bed (臥遊)"
ink and color on paper, 27.8 x 37.3 cm, Palace Museum, Beijing

On the high round table it stands;

small plant in a plastic pot

tender leaves

turn to the narrow window,

angled

to meet the faithful morning sun.

We water it daily,

carry it carefully

to the deep sink for a good, long drink

and then back to its own bright place

estranged from the wilder yard by double-pane.

Sudden as September,

it happens.

In the grey morning,

bathed in their own pure light

bright blooms, fragrant breath

of insistent life,

the sweet song

of survival.

(31 Oct. 2013)