Posted on by Angelina Lee

A Poui and a Pandemic

It has all happened in quick succession. About ten days ago the kids came home from school on a Friday afternoon, excited to start the weekend. We were all eager to enter into the next few days which brought with them a schedule packed tightly with competitions from various extra curricular activities.

But none of it was to be.

Within two hours of coming home, our Prime Minister announced that schools would be closed for the week. Three days later, a much bigger announcement was made. Schools were now to remain closed until at least late in April. Certain businesses which, by nature, attracted large gatherings, were prohibited from operating. We were receiving daily briefings from the government, each one solidifying the gravity of it all. One by one, events were postponed. Businesses closed their doors. People retreated to their homes. Little by little, yet seemingly all at once, life was proceeding on lockdown. Social distancing was now the mandate.

Enter: fear.

Fear for our loved ones.
Fear for small businesses.
Fear of job losses.
Fear of contagion.
Fear for the future.
Fear of the unknown.

The whirlwind was swift and powerful. All at once we were thrust into the unimaginable, trying our best to continue ‘life as normal’ from the confines of our home.

‘Life as normal’ while homeschooling our kids.
‘Life as normal’ while the office was closed when there was work to be done.
‘Life as normal’ while not being able to see and embrace people that we love.

One day, while the ticker tape at the bottom of the TV reinforced tales of tragedy from around the world, I looked out the window. In the distance stood a Poui tree in full bloom, the lively colours of its abundant blossoms a stark contrast to the general quiet of the roadway nearby. I thought, “Look at nature in all its glory, completely unaffected by the madness that is unfolding.” And for a moment, I wished that I was that tree. That I had its composure in chaos. That my life was as uncomplicated as its existence. I studied the tree for a few moments more, and then turned my attention back to the screen.

The following day, the Poui tree was exactly where it had stood before, but it wasn’t the same. Its blossoms had all fallen to the ground beneath it, creating a soft blanket of colour all around its base. Its sheer beauty was breathtaking.

I studied the branches where the flowers once perched. They weren’t quite as bright or bold and beautiful, but they were still strong and sturdy. They no longer displayed their finest work, but they were no less important. They did not wilt and lament the cascading showers of colour. Rather, they remained a testament to the opportunity for new growth. For new blossoms. For new beauty.

Where some may see only a mess in a mass of flowers on the ground, others see that the elegance that was once perched on high has now taken on a different form. We can rush to clean it and to pile it into organised heaps so as to make it more manageable, but in so doing, we miss the real beauty in it all.

You see, the Poui is set apart not because it produces flowers, but because those flowers fall to the ground. The beauty lies in the falling. And each petal that kisses the earth in sweet surrender brings new life to the very soil on which the Poui stands.

What might creation be saying?

Perhaps, it is saying that “Through tempest and storm, through rain and wind, I stand.”

“Although everything I have worked to produce has fallen away, I will remain grounded.”

“Letting go of my flowers is not a sign of failure, it is part of the process.”

“Even though it looks as though all is lost, all will be well for another season. A new season.”

Friends, it can seem as though the winds are raging with uncertainty and fear. But through it all, stand.

It may look as though the things you have built are crumbling and falling away. But through it all, remain grounded.

You may feel burdened and overwhelmed by the things that you feel you must hold on to. But trust the process. Let go of what you can no longer carry.

It can feel as though all is lost. As though hope is slipping away. As though life as we know it is suspended. But hold fast. Another season will come. A new season.

A season where we will embrace tightly because we remember how it felt to be isolated.

A season where we will limit the noise because we have tasted silence.

A season where we are grateful for every mundane, banal detail of ordinary life because we realise that these are indeed our biggest blessings.

Let us learn from creation. Let us be like that tree.

A Poui in a pandemic.

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40 Replies to “A Poui and a Pandemic”

      1. This story kept getting better and better with every line and resonated so much in my current space . You are very very talented and thank you for writing

        The poui is an absolute beauty of nature – Gods wonderful creation, I am awed by its beauty every year

    2. Dear Angelina, This is awesome. A blessed hope for all during these times. A new season will come. Amen. I shared it on my page.

      ” It can feel as though all is lost. As though hope is slipping away. As though life as we know it is suspended. But hold fast. Another season will come. A new season”

      1. Berni, I am happy to hear that it blessed you. Thank you for reading and for sharing!

    3. Thank you for sharing this;
      It’s very inspirational and has brought me to a grateful place today!
      God Bless you

    4. This is greater than what you are sharing about us as Human Nature”. “And for a moment I wished I was that tree that I had its composure in chaos. That my life is as uncomplicated as its existence.” This adds to what I had in mind, may be better expressed in words. I am a new subscriber and love you posts .

  2. What a beautiful word picture, Angelina. Thank you. I will share this. The Poui tree has always given me pause to remember how God cares enough to give us a world full of beauty and provision. The beauty that emerges from the fallen leaves connects deeply in my spirit with the eternal gift that Jesus secured for those who believe – by His falling – His death on the cross that we may be raised to life with Him. There IS life after the pandemic. And there IS beauty even within this pandemic, if only we would see with God’s eyes and love others in the midst of it.

    1. Thank you for this, Cecile. Creation is singing of divine faithfulness even in a pandemic. I will join its chorus. Thank you for reading and for sharing.

  4. Thank you Angelina for sharing this beautiful reflection/ introspection. It was uplifting and joyful🦋

  6. Angelina that was heavenly. Always love the Poui trees and the carpet of flowers when they fall. I’m sitting and actually looking around at everything. Even things in my house I take for granted. Now admiring the beauty in the ornaments etc.

    1. Thank you, Allison. We are surrounded by beauty, and the more we look for it the more we will see.

  7. Thank you so much for this.
    I had the same feelings as you but with the Calliandra or powder puff tree which is not as pretty as the Poui . Can’t enjoy the Poui but enjoying the Calliandra here in Miami. The falling away of the flowers every afternoon but we get new blooms each morning .
    May I send you some pictures ?

  8. Wow. A picture well painted. The imagination. The vision – seeing the.beauty of fallen flowers, the carpet imagined. A.breath of fresh.air. Thank you for sharing.the.beauty and strength of.a Poui tree during this.pandemic.

  9. Your article touched me deeply and has instilled positivity and hope to many with whom I have shared. We find ourselves in unique circumstances……thank you for the inspiring perspective. May you continue to be guided along your journey !

    1. Joanna, thank you for your very kind words. I am happy to hear that a message of hope is being received by those who read this. Thank you for sharing.

  10. You made me cry! So beautifully portrayed, the mundane, the fear, the beauty, a picture well painted in words! Many thanks.

  11. What a lovely way to look at the madness. Take some time to appreciate nature around us and maybe we will all have more respect for it and each other when this is finally over.

  12. This is the most amazing piece of work I’ve read in a long time. It is very appropriate for this time an could hep anyone having difficulty dealing with the current situation.
    Thank you and be Blessed

    1. Seeta, that’s how I’ve always felt about the Poui. A true masterpiece!

  15. Oh my gosh… I love this… This is awesome… From the time I started reading I told myself I had to finish… Awesome. Awesome. Awesome.
    Love it
    Love it
    Love it

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