‘Lotus’ by Catherine Huang

Rising above the silt and murky mud,
Clean and pure is the small pink bud,
Supported by a supple stem of jade,
Adorned with gleaming dew drops, crystal made.

Elegant yet sweet this gentle bloom,
Penetrating the bleak, surrounding gloom,
Steadfast, and honorable heart unmoved,
Its light fragrance adds to its tranquil mood.

Were compassion to have a flower’s form
Strong enough to brave an opposing storm,
Humble, unaware of its noble grace,
Then a lotus would surely fill this space.

Symbolic of a Buddhist’s lofty realm,
Gleaming atop a heavenly boat’s helm.

Catherine Huang is a student at Fei Tian Academy of the Arts in upstate New York.