Continuum
Modern poetry modern verse contemporary poetry contemporary verse modern poem contemporary poem
The lotus rises through the pond but first
Through mud. The stalk, the floating leaves, the flower
Itself arise. In silences they burst
In loudest petal pink. Where must the power
Of this explode from? From the water, mud
And root come colors, green and pink. The plant
Defies the lack of water’s color. Bud
Then blossom, petals, all begin to chant
The mantra of the meaning in the world.
This meaning they derive refers us to
No physicality, instead unfurled
From spirits with their other worldly view.
The lotus’ message speaks no fear. Just grow.
Return to mud but in the meantime glow.
~ Phillip Whidden