<p class="ql-block">The Heart of the Peony</p><p class="ql-block">written by Ru Wang</p><p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block">When frost has gone and earth is warm,</p><p class="ql-block">She stirs within the garden’s form.</p><p class="ql-block">Then softly, surely, starts to rise—</p><p class="ql-block">A secret swelling toward the skies.</p><p class="ql-block">Each bud is wrapped in silken thought,</p><p class="ql-block">A thousand petals gently caught.</p><p class="ql-block">And when she opens—oh, the air!</p><p class="ql-block">Is filled with blush, too bold to spare.</p><p class="ql-block">She bows with pride, yet bends with peace,</p><p class="ql-block">A fleeting queen whose charms don’t cease.</p><p class="ql-block">She doesn’t bloom for short or loud,</p><p class="ql-block">But holds her ground and draws a crowd.</p><p class="ql-block">In every fold, a world resides—</p><p class="ql-block">Of love that waits, of strength that hides.</p><p class="ql-block">She teaches us what time can do:</p><p class="ql-block">That beauty deep is always true.</p>