Spring is in the air and we are beginning to see the signs of new life blooming from the earth, so I was reminded of this poem. The opening of my third book, “Gather Seeds of Hope” introduced the poem The Resilience of Nature. I couldn’t think of a better poem to kick off a book with “hope” in the title than one that discusses nature (https://thepracticalpoet.com/the-resilience-of-nature-from-gather-seeds-of-hope/). “Gather Seeds of Hope” ends with this poem, The Little Bud, and again I couldn’t think of a better ending poem to close out the book then one that discusses strength, tenacity, and a willingness to fight for survival against all odds.
I just love the Little Bud. I love his can-do spirit and his willingness to not just survive but to thrive, so he can help other little buds grow and flourish. We should all aspire to be like the Little Bud. We should find out what makes us blossom, and immerse ourselves in whatever that may be. We should embrace challenges and not run from adversity, for that will help make us stronger and strengthen our character. As much as we want to run away and seek shelter, we must face the storm, because a flower needs both rain and sun to grow stronger. We should turn our faces in respect to those who came before us as we stand in their shadows. We should help and mentor others who come after us, for we know what they’re going through and the struggles they’re facing, and we can help guide them through. So scatter that kindness when you can; gather up hope and keep it close to your heart; but also give some away to those in need.
Like the Little Bud, bloom where you’re planted, help others to bloom where they’re planted, and hopefully those seeds of goodness will take root, grow and blossom into a brighter and more beautiful world for all!
The Little Bud
A seed that lies beneath the ground
Is grateful for the soil,
Until it’s ready to push through earth
And let its roots uncoil.
It starts to sprout a little bud
And looks up to the sun,
So grateful that its journey
Into blooming has begun.
This little bud, barely a sprout,
Looks so young and small
As he stands beneath the other plants
Whose stems are strong and tall.
This little bud, determined,
Does not let his size dictate
Whether or not he’ll survive the storm;
He’s decided his own fate.
He’ll turn his face into the sun
For that will help him grow.
He’ll turn his stem into the wind
No matter how strong it blows.
He’ll gladly take the rain,
For that will feed the earth,
Allowing other little buds
To partake in new birth.
He’s grateful for the elements:
The wind, the rain, the storm.
He’s grateful for his neighboring plants,
For they help to keep him warm.
And during daylight, these same neighbors
Offer him some shade.
These things keep him thriving
In the little dirt home he’s made.
He will do the same some day
For another little bud
Who makes his way into the world
By pushing through the mud.
He’ll shelter him, and guide him,
And allow him room to grow,
Until one day he’s big enough
To have his own seeds to sow.
For the best thing we can do in life
Is not only to survive,
But to pass along what we have learned
So others may grow, and thrive.
And this little bud who was so small,
And fought with all his power,
Has opened up his petals
And become that blooming flower.
He’s doing all that he can do
To flourish, grow and cope
With the challenges that come his way,
As he spreads his seeds of hope.
-K.A. Bloch-
