A White Camellia

A White Camellia

by: Shaffi A. Karimah

A white camellia is in my hand

since seven months ago

Now the petals are still clean without spots

as if it is still the same as when you leave me

You definitely know

I struggled to grasp it

A white camellia is in my hand

since forty-eight weeks ago

Now the leaves are still green

as if it had been picked yesterday

I already know

You need time to take it back

A white camellia is in my hand

since one hundred and forty-four days ago

Now the stem is still upright and sturdy

as if it does not need the root

You and I know

This camellia is both yours and mine

where the longing begins and ends