In Winter, Camellias

In winter, camellias bloom.

(Japanese roses, I was once told.

I don’t know if that’s true, but

I like to think it. It makes them

for me a symbol of Reiki healing, 

which began in Japan … although

it really began in the far-off first

morning of the world.)

In winter, camellias bloom.

A friend brings me a red one 

from her garden. I have

the perfect vase. In a home

cluttered with books and papers,

I place it in the centre of my kitchen

on a plain wooden board

on top of the 'island'.

In winter, camellias bloom.

Another friend arranges them 

for when I visit, around 

the edges of a big shallow bowl:

alternating deep pink and pale.

Then she gives them to me.

I find two shallow plates, one

for each colour. They float serene.

In winter, rejoice! Camellias bloom.

Shared today at my Instagram profile and with dVerse OpenNight #387.