Flower of a Nation

Many, many years ago, a good friend of mine wrote a beautiful poem entitled "Flower Of A Nation". I have since lost contact with this friend and so cannot ask for his permission to publish it here. But it is too beautiful not to be shared and a shame if it is kept in my journal only for my eyes to see. I remembered it as I was writing my previous post.
To Amp, thank you for the beautiful and inspiring words.

FLOWER OF A NATION

Listen...

Every race, creed, and nation cherishes a flower

That captures the virtues of its culture

Which symbolizes all the good of that nation

That when the citizens of that nation

Gaze upon the flower

Their hearts aspire to the highest nobility

And are reminded of the majesty of their creation

"Where are these flowers?

Please show them unto me"

Look upon the land and see

They are unique in their variety

Yet, to a casual on-looker passing by

They stand common among their peers

Each will bloom in their own season

In due time to inspire the heart

Even barren ground will be made beautiful

When the seed of one of these flowers fall thereon

"May I have this flower that I may enjoy the beauty thereof?"

The seeds are precious and are not mine to give

"Then how shall I obtain one of these?"

I do not know for the flower is within you

By Amphaivanh Kommavongsa

To all the wonderful parents out there, may you continue to care tenderly for the seeds in your hands that we may all behold their beauty in the future.

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