Lotus

There are people everywhere
Cameras aimed at faces
There they stay
Smiles painted on
Held in a moment
“Happiness”
As the phone lowers and the smiles drain off their faces
They rush to the next attraction
Hold their phones up to buildings
Aggrandized statues of people soon lost
In history’s infinite unfolding pages
But the lotuses
Can’t you see them?
They are the main attraction
They don’t demand your attention
They bloom, wilt, die
Quietly
No need for an alter
Or everlasting recognition
Temples or tabernacles
Although this might be the only reason
To take to our knees in worship
A small bloom of nature’s purity
Dipped in fuscha
Gentle ripples along their petals
Softness amongst the concrete
A lonely tadpole swims amongst their stems
There I am
I think