The Flower

 Moonflower at night; Lavender by day, Magnificent sights; some would say, From river to valley; and fields to hills, Some partake; of Daffodils..

Violets of blue; Roses of pink, What colors are missing; let me think, We often forget; from the ground, Most of them; start as brown..

From stem to leave; most turn green, Some stand straight; some may lean, From below; their darkened tomb, Most of them; come to bloom..

Within the cycle; colors will flow, Some still seen; by moonlights glow, It gains its strength; from its roots, From atop it bears its fruits..

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In your search for strength and power, Take a lesson; view a flower...

©LaPoint,F.2009

Summary

The poem paints a vivid and serene picture of nature’s floral beauty, contrasting the delicate and varied colors of flowers visible by day and night. It begins with the moonflower at night and lavender by day, highlighting a magnificent variety of sights that span from rivers to valleys and fields to hills. The poem celebrates different flowers—daffodils, violets, and roses—whilst reflecting on the often overlooked natural process behind these colors: that all flowers originate from brown earth. It touches on the growth cycle, describing stems and leaves turning green and flowers blooming from hidden roots, emphasizing how flowers gain strength from their roots to bear fruits and colors above ground. The closing lines suggest a metaphorical lesson in strength and power, urging the reader to find wisdom by observing the quiet resilience and life cycle of flowers.

Highlights

🌙 The contrast between flowers seen at night (moonflower) and during the day (lavender) sets a peaceful tone.

🌸 A vivid celebration of various flowers and their colors: daffodils, violets, and roses among others.

🌱 Recognition of the natural origin of colors emerging from brown soil, emphasizing life’s foundation.

🍃 Description of growth stages: stems and leaves turning green, flowers blooming—signifying development and vitality.

🌼 The connection between roots and strength, highlighting the unseen foundation behind visible beauty.

🌚 The subtle reference to moonlight showing how some colors and beauty exist even in darkness.

🌿 A metaphorical message encouraging reflection on nature’s lessons about strength and resilience.

Key Insights

🌙 Night and Day Floral Diversity: The poem’s opening contrasts the moonflower blooming at night and lavender during the day, symbolizing the continuous beauty of nature regardless of time. This contrast highlights the dynamic range of environmental conditions in which life flourishes, reminding the reader that beauty and growth persist through changing circumstances.

🌸 Colors as a Symbol of Variety and Life: The poem lists vivid colors and flowers such as violets and roses, underscoring diversity in nature. This diversity not only appeals to the senses but also represents the richness of life and the importance of noticing subtle differences in our surroundings. The questioning of which colors are missing invites curiosity and attentiveness.

🌱 Foundation of Growth – Brown Soil: The reference to most flowers “starting as brown” directs attention to the essential yet often overlooked role of soil. This earthy base fuels growth and color, symbolizing how foundational, unseen elements are crucial for visible beauty and success. It’s a reminder of the importance of roots, origin, and unseen effort.

🍃 Growth and Development Cycle: The transformation from stem to leaf, brown earth to green foliage, and eventual blooming reflects natural progressions of life. Some flowers stand straight, others lean, hinting at diverse adaptations and resilience strategies. This could metaphorically represent different human responses to challenges.

🌼 Strength Gained from Roots: The imagery of roots providing strength to flowers and fruits emphasizes the importance of underlying support systems. Just as flowers draw nutrients and stability from below ground, individuals derive strength from their foundational values, experiences, or support networks.

🌚 Nature’s Hidden Beauty by Moonlight: The idea that some flowers are visible only by moonlight suggests there is beauty and strength present even in darkness or adversity. It invites reflection on unseen or underestimated qualities that persist quietly, an encouragement to seek depth beyond surface appearances.

🌿 Metaphorical Lesson in Resilience: The closing message, “In your search for strength and power, take a lesson; view a flower,” frames the entire poem as a symbolic guide. Flowers teach patience, resilience, and the importance of nurturing unseen growth. This insight encourages personal growth through the observation of nature’s processes.

The poem uses vivid imagery and natural metaphors to convey a deep message about growth, resilience, and the sources of visible strength. It invites readers to appreciate the beauty and complexity of nature not just at surface level but beneath it—where essential support and unseen effort are nurtured. Ultimately, the poem encourages a reflective mindset, urging readers to seek inspiration from the quiet strength and life cycles of flowers as they navigate their own journeys.