Where Have All the Tulips Gone?

A couple’s reflections on the COVID-19 tulip massacre.

Written by Jocelyn Wright.

The beauty, the splendor, the glory of spring

Brutally beheaded

But why?

Why attack voiceless Nature?

What crime has she colorfully committed?

None whatsoever!

The slayers slay to protect their species

From themselves

From their desire to break free from self-quarantine

From their thirst to gather despite social-distancing conventions

From their tendency to gravitate towards her

An extreme act of violence

An innocent victim

A tragic fate

For 2020 tulips

Tulip, I’m Sorry

Written by Prabesh Paudel.

Tulip, I’m sorry

It’s not your fault

But I cannot let you bloom

Oh Tulip, I’m sorry

You will not see the spring sun

I’m sorry you will not feel the spring rain

Oh Tulip, I’m sorry

You have to fall for me to thrive

Oh Tulip, I’m sorry

I cannot let you bloom

But I promise next year you will bloom

I will let you bloom

For now, I’m sorry

I cannot let you bloom

I cannot let you bloom

THE AUTHORS

Jocelyn Wright from Canada and Prabesh Paudel from Nepal met on a mountain in South Korea in the spring of 2015. Through various activities and exchanges, they developed a deep friendship that led to the union of their two hearts in 2018. Every year, they impatiently await the return of the gorgeous cherry blossoms and tulips.