Chrysanthemum

by Ellie Tang

original art by the author

Chrysanthemum, chrysanthemum,

chry-san-the-mum,

c-h-r-y-s-a-n-t-h-e-m-u-m.

Red, pink, yellow, and purple,

natural beauty and color.

Glowing, loving, affectionate,

petals spread like sun rays,

a sunrise refreshment in a volume,

a connection between mother and daughter.

Chrysanthemum, chrysanthemum,

chry-san-the-mum,

c-h-r-y-s-a-n-t-h-e-m-u-m.

something so light yet bitter,

a tranquil joy in the heart,

a thought…

I watch as the slow bud sinks towards the horizon.

I listen to the petals’ love in the orange bitterness of appreciation. I feel the warmth of the evening sun glowing past my shoulders. I sniff the warm fizz of tranquility and peace, oozing through my veins. And to take a sip;

A taste easing me into my mother’s arms.

Chrysanthemum, chrysanthemum,

chry-san-the-mum,

c-h-r-y-s-a-n-t-h-e-m-u-m.

Frosted, white, covered, and frigid

tucked in snow and cold.

Shimmering, twinkling, adoring,

Buds peaceful like an elder,

a sunset glass that was once full,

a memory that has once been told.

Chrysanthemum, chrysanthemum,

chry-san-the-mum,

c-h-r-y-s-a-n-t-h-e-m-u-m.

something so bright yet vague,

a rebirth to be awaited in tempo,

a memory.

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Ellie is a seventh grader at Carson Middle School. Ellie’s story and artwork were part of the Carson Middle School first place team entry, along with teammate Reid Hall, for the Plant Love Story Challenge hosted by the Phipps Conservatory and Botanic Gardens.