Kamia

- Hedychium coronarium J. Koenig 
(Ginger Lily, Flor de mariposa)


This one
grows wild, wrapping its heady 
scent in circles around the untended

garden. Among branches of loblolly 
pine, a cadre of yellow-crowned 
night  herons, watching.

It is always the case that in myth, 
for whatever reason, a girl 
is changed  after 

disobeying some rule. 
Perhaps she survives, but 
suffers from being herself.  

No matter. She keeps
the softness of her hands 
white-sheathed, in green blades.