Zinnia, Chrysanthemum, and Light

by Ronel L. Alijado

Millions of white zinnias you give.

By your one rose thorn’s trivial prick,

She and he change summer into winter,

Love into hate.

Red and white chrysanthemums

Grow and never die in your heart.

Believe in your perennial blossoming garden.

Sunny must be all the days of your breath.

Let not tremor, gale, fire, wave, snow, and man’s snare

You shake, drop, burn, drown, and bury

Your beautiful petals in the Netherworld.

All the time, thou should be a fair weather for your florets.

Attractive brightness you are.

Some desire your light off.

Keep your switch

On, on, on, on, on, on, on.

Foes he and she are or might be.

Your mind must release your owl.

You must not perch

On Datura inoxia’s twig!

Spread your firm wings of eagle!

Soar best and highest, and cast your seeds of zinnias and chrysanthemums to grow!

Clutch your unique star, and emit your radiant light!

These awe her and him,

 and your truth and love – eternal - blooming and shining in your mortality.