The Ghost Orchid

The Ghost Orchid, a weeping willow, and a hurricane

There is a grassy knoll

In Florida

Not far from Lake Butler

The grass is bright green

There is a weeping willow tree with long branches

It has been there a long time

Under the willow, is a small delicate, white ghost orchid

The leaves of the orchid are almost translucent

The branches of the willow are so long that they reach to the ground

In the wind, the willow branches sway back and forth

The branches of the willow cover the ghost orchid with a protective umbrella

One day, the winds pick up, a hurricane is coming

As the wind blows, and the rain falls, the willow bends down to protect the ghost orchid

While delicate, the ghost orchid also bends to the wind. It does not break.

Its roots reach down into the earth for strength and protection and it sways to the wind

As the winds subside, the branches of the willow lift slightly

Uncovering the ghost orchid still intact and whole

As with all storms, it ends and the sun starts to come out through the clouds

The sky is bright and streams of white light reach out to the willow and orchid

As it does, bright white light covers the willow and orchid