Beautiful, graceful, flexible Bamboo,

the strong bold stems greet our eyes.

They move with the moods of the wind.

Their simplicity calls to artists,

who stroke a calligraphy of stems and leaves

which stir and flutter in a light breeze.

They whisper and chatter to the sky –

and us, who pause to listen, softly.

 

But when the rising wind calls our ears,

to speak of waves at sea and arcing gulls.

We know that strong Bamboo will flex and bow

shedding the gusts with playful, carefree dance.

Other trees may flinch before a storm.

Creak to the moaning wind or groan in pain

but not Bamboo, strong, brave Bamboo!

She bends to the wind’s will and laughs.

 

Now the seas are high and steep.

They crash upon the shore.

Small boats cower in safe harbors.

Ships pitch, stagger, roll, hit and thump,

with ridged stem, the oceans mile stone waves.

Not so bamboo who, curtseys to the storm,

to ride the wind with grace and strength,

braving the cruelest gusts,

bowed low but never overcome.

Brave and beautiful Bamboo.

 
 
David Garlick, Sidney, September 2002

For Uki Miller