Sampaguita

 

Sampaguita

by Dawn Pisturino

The palm grove steams with summer heat.

Sweat glistens on my skin

As I race along the path,

Searching for you.

Banana leaves wave at me,

Urging me on.

The Sampaguita throw blossoms at my feet,

Perfuming my path with holy fragrance.

I stop to pick them up

To string into a garland of sweet innocence.

I will lay it at the feet of the Virgin

On Sunday morning,

Who will smile at the pure whiteness of the petals.

I see you now, standing in a bed of orchids,

Inhaling the heady odor of their scent.

You turn and smile,

Drawing me close.

From your pockets,

You pull shiny white blossoms

Of Sampaguita.

We will pool our gatherings together

To make the finest garland

The Virgin has ever received.

[NOTE: Sampaguita is the national flower of the Philippines]