What flowers tell me (花語)

If photography has taught me anything at all, it taught me a principle which is valuable not just in the world behind the camera lens. It taught me the principle: "time is of the essence."

You simply got to catch the flowers when they are in bloom.

  
or it will be too late.

You got to catch them wherever they are.

If they are in a convenient position, thank your stars.

They may not always bloom in profusion

Before you know it, they've turned into mere stalks.

Some of them are fading already. 

It won't be long before these will go the same way. 

So catch them dancing,

sprawling on the ground,

holding their heads high

 
flying out to you

getting as close to you as possible

or turning all in one direction



in a clump

shooting straight up

emerging from the water

in all their softness 

 or all bunched together



or up and out into the surrounding air

all alone

half hidden amidst the leaves

or aloof above the water

amongst other plants



 all fighting to leave their images on the surface of the water

For there is a time to grow.

and a time to be destroyed.