The final line in the following poem by 13th century poet, Shirazi Saadi, is well known.
“If, of thy mortal goods, thou art bereft,
And from thy slender store two loaves alone to thee are left,
Sell one, and from the dole
Buy hyacinths to feed the soul.”
It seems that human beings have an insatiable need for flowers. Even at this dreary time of year, when most plants have gone dormant, we find ways to surround ourselves with them. My three Christmas cactus are beginning to bloom. The original one, given to me by a dear friend who has passed away, is always the first to bloom. I have a white cactus as well, and one that blooms with yellow flowers which fade to a pretty peach. Various shades of red amaryllis are blooming in pots and paperwhites are filling our rooms with fragrance. For those who cannot resist them, spring bulbs like hyacinths and tulips have been forced into early bloom indoors. Homes are being decorated with greenery and the fresh scent of pine. Bright holly berries shine like jewels among the branches of green wreaths. The tiny white berries of mistletoe are hung over our heads, inviting tender kisses.
The plant kingdom has provided us with an endless number of species, of trees, shrubs, flowers, and berries. Our lives depend on them. Flowers are produced for the purpose of creating the next generation. Butterflies, moths, bees, hummingbirds, and some bat species rely on flowers for food; and the flowers depend on them to spread the pollen, ensuring the survival of their species. They coexist together in perfect harmony. We depend on plants too, but only a few flowers are edible. Flowers feed that part of us that is not physical. Flowers feed our soul and a satiated soul, is a happy soul.
