First blooming in the Western Paradise, <br />The lotus has delighted us for ages. <br />Its white petals are covered with dew, <br />its jade green leaves spread out over the pond, <br />And its pure fragrance perfumes the wind. <br />Cool and majestic, it raises from the murky water. <br />The sun sets behind the mountains <br />But I remain in the darkness, too captivated to leave.<br /><br />Taigu Ryokan<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-lotus-5/
