Osmanthus fragrans

On the shores of Lake Como
In the moon gardens of Suzhou
On the walkway to our desert home
I have been mystified
Blessed and enchanted.


Each encounter begins anew
As a mystery and a surprise
You are so small, hiding in plain sight
Tiny blossoms clustered like yellow-white
Drops of cream in champagne flutes
Small, even by hummingbird standards.


And you are sweet, not like
The deathly cloy of lilies or gardenia
But fresh as berries and spring rain
Only pleasant freesia’s nodding bells
Come close to your perfection.