I love the story of how a lotus starts off. Such a beautiful flower, appearing so delicate and yet it is so resilient. This flower grows in ponds and lakes where water does not move much, hence it sprouts first under water in mud and murky water. Just as humans go through life facing loss, sadness, death, and dark moments, hopefully we become stronger and our mind is awakened, acquiring wisdom. The lotus stems becomes stronger forming a bud that pushes its way to the light, above water and only then, free of dirt and mud, opens one petal at a time …just as humans open up to spiritual growth. How fascinating!
In Buddhism the bud of the lotus represents potential. We have the potential to spiritual growth and awakening, and enlightenment. As the lotus flower emerges from the water clean, this represents purity of body, speech, and mind…an awakened mind. *
murky waters breed
ignorance and bigotry
lessons learned
knowledge stems growth
building strength and wisdom
seeking clarity
reaching for the sun
budding above water
a lotus blossoms
(c) Tournesol ’14
Tournesol dans un Jardin 
This is a lovely haibun dear heart and a great take on the Shuukan prompt! 🙂
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This is marvelous (and I fear my comments become redundant).
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I just visited your blog briefly on my phone and I am speechless…what to say about such beautiful poetry. I am so touched when “poets” comment on my blog.
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Well, your work is always a pleasure to read–so evocative and….oh dang, my brain just froze, can’t think of another perfect compliment! You get the picture though, eh?
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I do get the message…and am truly humbled.
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I never tire of words of encouragement:)
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Oh okay, good!
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Reblogged this on Traces of the Soul and commented:
From my poetry blog at Tournesol dans un jardin
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the lotus blossoms are a soulful flower
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