Not Bitter But Better

I spotted this cute dainty yellow flower across the churchyard.

My sister Luchie identified it. Her exact words were: "that's the ampalaya (bitter gourd) which you refused to eat" . . . She said it with a wry smile as if to taunt me that I am (AGAIN) appreciating the very flower of the vegetable which I refused to eat. Sigh.

Yes indeed. I must be reminded to eat the bitter gourd because it helps if your family is prone to diabetes like mine. Luchie would serve it like a raw salad marinated with vinegar, ginger, salt and pepper just to make it edible for us. Yet I try to take only a few pieces just to show her that I am trying to eat it. I did say 'trying'.

. . . you are not bitter
for you are the better version
of all things blended and purified
to celebrate the good life . . .

Like the bitter gourd, we have our bitter side.
Mine is the moody, impatient, hyperactive individual
that goes around distracted, absent-minded, and restless.
Yet, this very same trait of mine is what is needed
for my creative work to flourish and be meaningful,
not just for me but also for others.

And I hope this beautiful simple nutritious sturdy plant will keep blooming with its yellow flowers to remind us of the duality in our nature and how this helps create the wonderful individual that we are.

For Maia and Luiz, Laerte, Sandy, and Denise.
And for all flower lovers everywhere!