“If” by Ingrid Fu

My poem is inspired by Japanese Aesthetics: "the beauty of the decline of things". It is about the blooming and withering of life. Things will grow old and wither. The "beauty of the decline of things" has also sublimated from aesthetics to a philosophy facing life. Everything is a passer-by in life, and all the scenery and a grass around us will no longer show the same beauty with its instantaneous posture in the visible and invisible future.
Blooming flowers would wither and fall, and dazzling beauty will eventually grow old. However, the change and transformation of life is gorgeous. Through the process of growth, the struggle, we witness life.

If

If, never bloomed,

Those enchanting,

Florid,

Arrogant flowers.

If, always that bud, innocent and pure,

Might they never fade,

Costs a lifetime,

To trade a moment a flare.

If, never perfumed the air,

Those fragrant,

Charming,

Boasting flowers.

If, always that shoot, tender and simple,

Might they never wither,

Cost of lifetime,

To trade a moment of honor.

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Bloom! - Spring 2022