Decoding Spring

by Allen Cohen

This is an early spring
magnolia trees already
are losing their blossoms

Camelias are blossoming
red and pink and
fruit trees are flowering

Gladiolas announce the new cycle
and there are late rains yet to collide
with California Coast

There is an intelligence
that impels flowers to bud
encoded in every cell of the tree

The code says, "I will flower -
I will leaf - I will fruit - I will seed
and I will create more of me

I will breathe CO2
I will use the light and heat of the sun
and I will be.

I will provide
the nectar of the flower
the sweet fruit
and the shade of my leaves

I will breathe out Oxygen
and countless beings will be created and
flourish and they will be
healed and nourished by me

They will help spread
my essence and preserve me
my plan is perfect.

Through this giving
with this constant beauty
through these endless creations

In the hidden world of my seed
nesting in the dark passivity of the earth
there will be a paradise."