During the month of May some species of plants, mostly ornamental, come in full blossom quietly exhibiting their beauty, color, and value. It is for this reason that the month of May here in the Philippines is known also as the Month of Flowers. It is also during the whole run of this month that the Catholic community observe Flores de Mayo, a gathering of children and young adults, both male and female, singing praises for the Virgin Mary and offering to her fresh flowers.


Today is supposed to be the start of Flores de Mayo, but I've never heard of children talking excitedly of going to church the way my generation used to. I can't help but wonder what had happened between then and now.

Anyways, the following poem celebrates the life of a flower and depicts its worth...

At the shoulder of the road

the perennial green stands

too long devoid of beauty,

thirsty for honest acclaims ---

an eyesore to many.

But through the march of May

its blossom is praised by this passing girl.

And she who walks abreast

lost her clamors to a mind

that poses to reckon

such prior prejudice;

Eyes captured by those delicate petals,

which beauty now mums

the tongues of men.

And the carols of

the distant bell

call for the feet to tramp still

to where divinity avows

their worth and where

the flower be laid

from those times

it was mostly ignored.