How the Spider Mum flower thrives:a sonnet on overcoming obstacles
Enjoy this cute little video-check out how penguins deal with their problems!
The Spider Mum (known as the football mum), with its hooked end, is a member of the chrysanthemum family. A hardy flower, it retains its blossoms long after they have been cut. They have come to represent different things in different countries. In Japan, they represent happiness. In both Japan and China, they represent nobility and the royal family.
One of the qualities that the spider mum has, and is seldom mentioned, is its quality of resilience. Its many florets or little blossoms within still bloom after the flower's stem has been removed from its roots.
Like this hardy little flower, we face tough times. We can move on with a little patience, determination, courage and a little faith in yourself.
How should we overcome obstacles?
Growing, reaching, hooked stem so robust;
Able to withstand the throes of harsher climes
To thrive despite the withering hands of Father Time
Not inclined to fade with drying blows of heated dust
Its green petals flower with calming patience,
blossom after lengthy, timely wait;
gracious poise, this flower’s humble trait
springs upward, gentle yet with tough forbearance
Stems move toward the sunlight, persevering
Leaves of courage bound forth now, and grow;
Roots of firmness, secure unto the earth
Faith in its own blooming it does show
Gentle pride in its blossoms so endearing.
How do you usually deal with your obstacles?
When we go through the tough times, remember this flower, which strives to survive no matter how hard it is.
Other poems by Michelle Liew
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A tritina poem on why it is good to be alone - Notes of harmonic beauty, played in one accord:a vil...
Living in harmony takes respect, patience and tolerance, but is a beautiful and wonderful achievement we should be thankful for. - Angelic voices sounding from above:a sonnet dedicati...
This is a little sonnet tribute to the children of Sandy Hook Elementary School, who passed away on the 14th of December, 2012 - Embracing the creative wonder of solitude:an inspira...
A tritina poem on why it is good to be alone - In the turbulent sea of humanity
Being human is facing ups and downs - an eternal struggle to be kind, to be generous, and to be patient. - The thoughtful behavior of wisdom, a sagacious lady
A poem on the characteristics of wisdom. - When the creature named hunger devours, an inspirati...
A musette on the driving force of hunger.
Comments
I love how you made the connection between this flower and life.
A beautiful sonnet and an inspiring portrayal of a flower. Enjoyed reading and voted up.
Great hub midget38. What a beautiful way of getting the message across. I love flowers and nature and enjoyed your poem very much along with the beautiful images. Voted up and sharing.
What an excellent sonnet and a beautiful hub. Congratulations. Jamie
Lovely sonnet! I like it very much
And I was so glad to learn about the spider mum. I am ver familiar with that flower. The florist always put them in the fresh cut bouquets for the cemetery, because they lasted so long and they are so big a beautiful. I never knew what they are called... thanks. :)
I love reading different poetry forms. This one is profound and beautiful.
I really enjoyed reading this. Some flowers amaze me in their ability to adjust no matter where you plant them or care for them. I loved the video you chose of the Penquins; adorable!
Voted UP, etc. and shared. Oh, I Pinned and Twitted, too.
The penguin video was so darn cute. I enjoyed how you used the the spider mum as a comparison for people to get through hard times! I found it inspiring! Kathi :O)
Michelle...I could, at times, certainly learn a thing or two from this flower...will have to keep it in mind...inspirational work, thank you:-))
Your choice of beautiful pictures really go along with the message of the poem.
This is lovely and so meaningful. A beautiful interpretation of a flower and what we can learn. Always so much we can learn from nature. Thank you for this.
A thoroughly beautiful hub, great images, loved the poems.
My best to you.
Jo
Beautiful poem midget, and so true. If a lovely flower can do it, so can we! voted up and shared! nell
Wonderful poetry and beautiful; images.
A sure combination for a winner.
Thanks for sharing this gem and have a wonderful day Michelle.
Eddy.
This picture drew me in--good words for me to hear today! Thank you!!
What a beautiful flower and what a lovely metaphor. Well done, Michelle. Nature provides us with so many lessons if we are willing to learn.
Mostly cultivated in beautiful ceramic pots, the Chrysanthemum is the symbol of the Yamato Dynasty royal family. The 16 petal mum, either embroidered or woven into the kimono fabric designates a member of the Imperial family, for each of those removed from immediate relationship a petal is removed. Some have five petals, six, seven, etc. The kimonos are invariably black with the emblem appearing on the back and on the "tamato" or sleeve. The earlier dynasty, that of the Tokugawa era used the hollyhock emblem.
Michelle, I enjoyed learning about the Spider Mum which by way is a unique and beautiful flower. Your sonnet is awesome. I talk to loved ones or walk, listen to music, exercise and if all else fails I scream, luckily that rarely happen :)
Beautiful poem and message. Looking forward to browsing your work!
What a cool looking flower! I didn't realize those flowers were a variety of mum. It is absolutely amazing how such a fragile-looking thing can have such resilience.
I have to agree with Carol and Janine, this was a great way to start my day. Your sonnet is so "robust" and yet calming. You pictures are lovely and the video is too cute!
Voted up, useful, and awesome.
Truly a wonderful wakeup this morning and great lesson about looking towards the flower for inspiration. Thanks Michelle and of course I voted up and shared, too!!
a lovely way to start my day....especially since I woke up feeling a bit out of sorts. Thank you.
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