Flowers When They Come, and Flowers When They Go

The star magnolia is hysteranthous, meaning that most or all of its flowering occurs before its leaves emerge. On the left is a photo of the tree taken on 3/17/25. On the right is a photo taken on 3/27/25.

C lear sky, morning light, 
H ouse finch singing in my line of sight—
A ll make me long for yesterday,
N ot the newness of today.
G one are the blooms that stirred my heart,
E very last one has fallen apart. 

B argaining can't undo or sway, 
R esurrect the grand bouquet;
I vory tower designs cannot
N egate Creator's higher thought.
G oodness unfolds despite my gall,
S eeds will form, then feed or fall. 

G rant me grace to bear the grief,
R elease the burden of disbelief.
I n time perhaps I may accept,
E mbrace, delight in, and respect 
F lowers when they come,
                 and flowers when they go.