The Purple Flower Poem by Ola Joseph Kolawole

THE PURPLE FLOWER
I walked out I the summer
To behold at our backyard a wonder
Nature’s beauty epitomized by a farmer
– My dad’s garden of farmer

Amidst the calmness and quietness
I heard of all sounds, the quietest
I strained my ears to hear the sound again as in a forest
But restored again was the tranquil calmness

Looking in the direction of the sound expectantly
I beheld a wonder amusingly
Covered and veiled by a couple of leaves partially
But I still was drawn closer to it attractively

My little finger did the unveiling
And guess what was this beautiful thing
It was a purple flower, the prettiest I’ve seen
With a dazzling splendour and brightly glowing

Then as I reached for its stalk to pluck it
A nice fragrance oozed off from it
This added a cap to its glowing beauty
Aggravating my craving to have it.

But then, just then;
Another wonder emerged like a thunder
I heard the same quiet sound I’ve heard earlier
But with the source of the sound, I’m now familiar.

It was another purple flower that has just popped open
To reveal its splendour equally brightening
But baffling me still was a thing
This flower too was partially veiled even.

Then I learnt from the purple flowers
That whatever strengths my creator has given me
I should not glory in those
But keeping my heart low

But amidst the humility
Still maintaining my self esteem and integrity
Exuberating my radiance
But not forgetting that there are prettier flowers in the garden

Purple flower, my purple flower,
What a great lesson you’ve taught me
And one promise I can make to you:
Even to be as humble … as you!

September 6,2007