Look within this small sealed glass urn I hand
you with reverence: Impatiens’ soft shade
of violet breathing fresh from highlands
of Annapurna, uprooted by spade
when I found its blossoms a thousand years
ago, stuffed between ice crags
lined like whale’s
teeth. See how its moist, curled flesh would appear
an orchid were it magnified. Petals
so gentle you’d almost kneel before them.
I’ve searched ten centuries for you and this
scene, glow of your raven hair’s diadem,
smile of surprise with the Himalayas’
gift. I cherish how brief light of dusk sky
and flower hue combine to kiss your eyes.
Roger Armbrust
January 8,
2013
