Six Haiku for a New Flower lyrics
by Leslie Fish
Tiny, pale frond unfolding
Trusting and shy as a child's hand in mine
Little you know that this hand also
Holds swords, guides ships, and shatters worlds
This garden, your home
Is surrounded by fire and steel--a ship of war
And I, sweet child, your father
Her Helmsman, and gunnery officer
Keep your green innocence!
How can you understand needs for peace at war?
My fathers were wise
Who carved intricate flowers on Samurai swords