Phoenix
by Dale J. Sprague
Flash Fiction
The Midnight Blossom
Far, far away..away from anywhere that most anyone can remember to have been, there is a valley. And the hillsides of the valley provide for very beautiful flowering trees, shrubs, and large open spaces of pleasant green grasses that soften the earthen floor
The trees along the center of the valley provide nice quiet shade, and they are large. So very large are they that their arms had grown to be very thick and low to the ground so that they are very easy to reach
The plants of this valley know each other. And while being aware of their own beauty, they appreciate the beauty of their neighbors as well, because this valley, of all valleys, is a special one. It is in a position with the rest of the world that allows only the mildest and kindest forms of nature to pass into it. The light there is very gentle and warm, and the darkness there is soft, being luminescent and everywhere
The stillness of the ponds and meadows are fed by a slow trickling of wandering shallow waters. Deep in this haven, upon the hillsides rising gently are all varieties of trees, herbs, grasses, and creatures of all kinds. All exist harmoniously, providing for each individual's need as so many different universes aside one another blend to make a special peace in this part of creation
Day by day, night by night, the shrubs and trees flower in all colors, and the creatures enjoy sweet gifts of fragrance. But amid all this beauty in the heart of this valley is one small plant that has no blossoms and no fragrance. It is simple and plain'looking. It is unlike all the others, being so small and inconspicuous, and also unlike the others, this plant is alone. There is only one of its kind amid so much splendor and peace
This small plant, the only one able to perceive all in this special valley, lived unnoticed by all else, and while it could blossom like the others, it remained silent because it can only shine in the night of others, and even then, only upon a special occasion. So, the simple plant lives by itself in this pleasant haven, living the day in private existence, perceiving all else in its midst, feeling the adventures of the many other ways of life..as colors and delicate fragrances blend into all varieties of music, as simple and melodic as prose aspires to be..as grand as a symphony could ever be
Occasionally, this valley would allow someone to enter for a brief visitation..to perceive the hearts of many in creation. Only rarely does innocence wander far and ponder by itself. It is for this occasion that this valley exists so innocence may journey throughout its wonders, wandering amid the persuasion of calm meadows, beneath the statehood of lofty arbors, by its curiosity and peace of mind does innocence wander
And inevitably, sooner or later, innocence meanders to the heart of this valley, and only here comes to rest, feeling all in its midst..feeling the many ways of life as wondrous forms and gentle spirits of the air charged by brilliant blossoms everywhere, feeling a chorus of melodies, sweet songs, a grand symphony
Soon evening's dark blanket settles in a soft night just before innocence would lay to sleep, and only after all else is within deep sleep, does the small plant brighten. Only in the sleep of night upon this occasion, only for this visitation, does the small plant radiate for the sake of innocence's incarnation
Suddenly, unexpectantly, this simple plant displays its blossoms and its special light, and its many wonders and colors radiate and spread throughout the night of the valley..radiating just for the innocent who wanders alone, shining for innocence to see the many splendors of life, for innocence to see the true labors of love within the heart of all that lives. Only for such an occasion does this small plant radiate and shine. Such is the gift from the midnight blossom, the deep body of creation, the beauty divine