The Mystic Rose Poem by Gert Strydom

In ancient times
a warrior prince travelled to the East
to find the wisest man on earth.

Stars guided him
over uncharted terrain
to the court of Enoch
who counselled with the Almighty God.

Great and knowledgeable king,
point me the way
to find the most beautiful flower of all,

it’s called the mystic rose,
and like crystal its leaves glitters
in colours of blue, violet and ruby red
and its odour is more divine
than that of any other bloom.

Why do you need this spectre flower
the great wise king asked?
To win the heart of the girl that I desire
the prince proclaimed.

Where will I find the mystic rose?
The rich prince asked again
while his servants
brought great gifts to the wise king.

Enoch looked the prince in the eye
and said:
Somewhere in the depths
of your inner soul
lies the flower that you seek.

Without words the prince
studied the wise king
and thought about his words
without really comprehending.

The words were perplexing to the prince.
What is the mystic rose,
the prince asked at last

Its unconditional, self-sacrificing
and called perfect love
the wisest man said to him.