And I Become Eve

Primitive in its ancient lineage
its early spring blooms of hugely
impressive presence send waves
of divine fragrance washing over
and around my beloved garden.
All winter, I anxiously surveyed
its bare branches, its fizzy-plump,
grey buds hoisted skyward as sleet,
snow, icy winds and freezing rain
washed over that very tree.

Its proudly outstretched branches
seemed to take no notice - those
flower buds persevered, then swelled
mightily as winter progressed into
spring. Now, hundreds of those
pregnant buds, magenta creeping
out from within, have transformed
that Magnolia, my garden, my home
to a splendid, richly-embroidered
tapestry of colour and sublime aroma.

Each bud and blossom a singular
presentation of exotic perfection, the
eye becomes a prisoner, captured,
unable to withdraw from the
captivating presence of its majestic
allure. Sumptuous beyond credit,
this magical tree of floral abundance
must surely have had an honoured
presence in Biblical Eden...

At its feet, a companion, luxuriant
Japanese spurge, in partnering white
bloom. And when the Magnolia's
gorgeous flowers are spent, and its
large, dark-green shining leaves
arrive, the delicate fairy rose resident
beneath will boom its pink echo.