Gardenia Memories

A rainbow of color intertwining with the
backdrop of the summer skies is the perfect
setting for a picture.
So many different flowers and towering over
them all, as if to protect them, my beloved
gardenia.
The branches look as though they will snap
from the weight of the blooms, and the fragrance
is almost intoxicating.
I took a seat on the ground near the bush.
My childhood memories flooded my mind.
The largest gardenia bush I'd ever seen
stood beside Grandfather's porch.
Hanging with blooms and the sweetest scent
filled the air inside and out.
Sunshine seemed to make the petals whiter
and the bouquet stronger, while the rain made
lovely images on the leaves.
It kept our imaginations alive.
Our youthful worries consisted of
picking blackberries, fishing and climbing
trees.
People often interrupting our delightful
time with Grandfather for a cutting of
the beautiful old gardenia bush.
Gathering my thoughts, I stood up and
noticed a tear in my eye, but I had no
remorse in my heart.
Wiping it away and smiling, knowing I
had a piece of Grandfather's bush
growing in my own yard.
I know the significance of that old
gardenia bush.
It holds the key to the sweetest flower
and my precious gardenia memories.