Spring Magnolia Poem by Bernard Kennedy

I was told, as a young boy,
that the Magnolia is 'The prince
of Shrubs'-on Zion Road,
Rathgar.
The color princely, as a chalice cup
is princely, for supping from divine
presence, and vestment in vogue,
appreciation is in tune.

It enlightens the garden color
and corner, and in sympathy with spring
is winters' fugue.
Nature honors its chakra, sky invites
the worshipfull cup upwards,
supported by green arms aloft in
worship of the incoming warmth and growth in soil
and natures' things are peeping,
like a shy child around the corner,
or nosey neighbour from behind the lace,
or informant indicating like Judas the prey.

Surely divine things are therefore
always immanent, and always looking
upwards.
The Prince of Shrubs indeed.