Poem: The Rainbow Queens
The Birds of Paradise
For the longest time, I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that there's a California plant that's called a bird, Birds of Paradise. But eventually I got it, and I understood why they were called Birds of Paradise. It seems that everywhere they are it's a paradise of beauty. The plants grow in tropical climates, and they reflect their picturesque and sunny surroundings. Some Birds of Paradise are all white, while others are white, orange, yellow and with a hint of bluish purple. They pop out of the green succulent gardens. They often extend into the middle of the sidewalk where they seem to greet you. Besides the crows getting my attention every morning in California, the Birds of Paradise seem to say hello like they are human, and I often acknowledge them back with a smile. Here's my tribute to these magnificent perennials with a poem.
Poem: The Rainbow Queens
I walk along De La Vina Street
Under the warm California sun
And there the queens are:
Extraordinary
Rainbow birds in paradise
Extending onto the sidewalk
To greet me, it seems,
Only me.
I want to stop and kneel.
I want to hug your plumes.
But I pull back.
Queens are never touched.
They are to be admired from afar.
I walk along De La Vina Street
Past my favorite pizza shop,
Past the dentist
That does my root canals.
There are more,
More colorful queens,
White, yellow and orange
Among the tall, spiraling palms,
Among the succulents
That decorate people's homes.
I take out the camera phone
And click their pictures.
They pose for me.
They speak in tongues.
They spring from
Fountains of hope,
Nourished by underground wells.
Spirits that grow with tolerance,
Plants that spread forgiveness
And goodwill.
I walk down De La Vina Street
In the music of the day,
Under the California sun.
The Rainbow Queens.
The tropicals of love.
They seem to speak to me.
Mark Tulin reads The Rainbow Queens.
Comments
AUTHORWhen I moved to California, that was the first plant that caught my eye.
Mark,
Wonderful poem.
I can say I have never seen the bird of paradise, but it sounds beautiful.
You pics are quite lovely.
Thsnks for sharing.
- AUTHOR
Than you, Miebakagh57, for your gracious comment.
Hello, Mark, I like your peom.It is very natural, and flow sequently. It also has a spiritual touch because we cannot understand the flowers talk. Thanks for sharing.
- AUTHOR
Sanaa, I loved your hummingbird story. We should all be like the hummingbird and do our part. Mark
Hi dear creative Mark Tulin
Every time I read your poems ; I become so enthusiast to write more and more...
I love this one so much . It's an incredible work from a great writer like you .
The Story of the Hummingbird
One day a terrible fire broke out in a forest - a huge woodlands was suddenly engulfed by a raging
wild fire. Frightened, all the animals fled their homes and ran out of the forest. As they came to the
edge of a stream they stopped to watch the fire and they were feeling very discouraged and
powerless. They were all bemoaning the destruction of their homes. Every one of them thought
there was nothing they could do about the fire, except for one little hummingbird.
This particular hummingbird decided it would do something. It swooped into the stream and picked
up a few drops of water and went into the forest and put them on the fire. Then it went back to the
stream and did it again, and it kept going back, again and again and again. All the other animals
watched in disbelief; some tried to discourage the hummingbird with comments like, "Don't bother,
it is too much, you are too little, your wings will burn, your beak is too tiny, it’s only a drop, you
can't put out this fire."
And as the animals stood around disparaging the little bird’s efforts, the bird noticed how hopeless
and forlorn they looked. Then one of the animals shouted out and challenged the hummingbird in a
mocking voice, "What do you think you are doing?" And the hummingbird, without wasting time or
losing a beat, looked back and said, "I am doing what I can.
Sincerely
Sanaa
- AUTHOR
Thanks, Tamara.
Mark,
This is a beautiful poem with lovely imagery!
Tamara
- AUTHOR
Thanks, Heather. I love hummingbirds as well. They seem to love the bird of paradise, but they move so fast it's hard to take their pictures. Thanks for reading.
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It was interesting to visualize the bird of paradise through your perspective. My late grandmother loved these flowers. She was in awe of a few pictures I took of a hummingbird hovering over these "rainbow queens." I wish I could share them with you here in the comments. Thanks for sharing your beautiful perspective.
- AUTHOR
Much appreciated, manatita44
You recite well. It brings your poem alive. I have written a few like this here in Kenya. Pure observations with my inimitable style. However, I'm a servant and I serve best through my given ability to awaken, inspire ... reach the Heart.
I admire your closeness to God's Light. Higher blessings.
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Larry for stopping by.
An interesting poem, Mark. You did a good job expressing your feelings as you walked along.
- AUTHOR
Thanks, Dora. I'm glad you had a nice walk. It's my favorite street.
Beautiful tribute to beautiful objects. I had an enjoyable walk along the route with you.
- AUTHOR
Thanks, John. It was the first street I walked on when I moved to California.
Mark, the bird of paradise is a lovely plant and Ir poem was a fitting tribute. I also enjoyed the strol down De La Vina Street.
- AUTHOR
Cool. I'm glad you enjoyed the stroll, Ruby.
This is beautiful! I strolled with you down the lane and enjoyed the scenery. BTW I have a plant ( artificial ) in my living room.
- AUTHOR
Thanks Lisa. It's good to know that I added something to the poem with my reading.
I really enjoyed this poem when I read it, but when I watched as you read it, it became something more. It is beautiful!
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