This poem was written in 1983. One spring day, my friend and mentor and I exercised in a cul-de-sac in Santa Monica, California. We walked up and down a set of over two hundred steps where many people exercised.
Many of these were aficionados who liked, knew about, and appreciated those of us who fervently pursued an interest in climbing stairs.
After our stair climb, we strolled through streets bordered by mansions.
In front of one, I gazed at its garden for well over five minutes. As I looked, I grew quieter. My mentor let me drift into a reverie without disturbing me. I thought about why I was inclined to be silent at times. And why I had so few friends.
In that quietude, I enjoyed the stillness and calm. I did not always need to be around people to feel happy.
I was like those flowers. They knew how to get along and thrive with others. They were as content being with others as they were being on their own.
FLOWER GARDEN
As I walked
And wondered through
The fields today,
I spotted some
Flowers on my way!
Dainty, yes, as can be,
Hidden amongst some
Lonely covering weeds!
I stood for a while,
Looking at them
Ever so silently!
As I pondered,
I asked myself,
Why do you endure such solitude?
Why is your existence so empty?
When you are
Such a pretty flower!
Just then,
A butterfly took me by surprise.
I was in a world all my own!
Uninterrupted, I kept walking,
But I could not help
Questioning my heart!
I continued my journey
While quietly thinking…
Those flowers were my own!
You can order my poetry collection, including this poem, here: Reflections of My Heart.
Original text ©2024 by Karen Lynn-Chlup. All rights reserved. Image by
Sharon Mollerus, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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