Nourishment

Short prose published in The Bowen Street Press' 'Blossom'

Nourishment

One delicate raindrop slides down the velvet petals of the pale pink hibiscus flower. It made its way down from the grey cloud kingdom above, bestowing the thirst-quenching relief that the flora and fauna of the earth craved all summer long. The moisture settles in place before the hibiscus, in all its grace, absorbs the zest of life, travelling to the roots.

Here, the roots are steadfastly nourished. A cascade of raindrops bounces off the petals in a chaotic melody – growing swifter with each passing moment. Like a mother’s embrace, the hibiscus flower is reassured there are better days to come, and it won’t be long until the deep fuchsia tones return. The hibiscus harnesses the liveliness afforded by the rain and slowly stretches to the sky, reaching up, standing tall.

The gentle pitter-pattering of water droplets sinking into the once cracked, arid soil now accumulates in joyous puddles. Like a lone desert explorer discovering a hidden oasis, the verve of life in all its rarity transforms the despondent garden. For the hibiscus, those days of enduring the baked air under an unforgiving sun finally cease, and the directions of the wind change to bring forth what the beloved hibiscus is known for: vivacity.

By Sophie Lawson

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Published by The Bowen Street Press in ‘Blossom’