Mei Xiang, Beautiful Fragrance

Mei Xiang, an elegant panda,

her cotton-ball fur puffed white,

with black patches

like opera gloves and boots,

and her gentle eyes—

they pull me in

and melt my heart.

Her name fits her

and means, Beautiful Fragrance.

She came from

China to America

with Tian Tian,

her mate, and became

mother to four,

Tai Shan, Bao Bao,

Bei Bei, Xiao Qi Ji,

all her pride.

Watching her mommy

skills I swear, it’s special.

Cradling her cubs

with soft paws nestled close

as they nurse and dream,

and licking them clean

tending every need,

resting nose to nose

in the night

she keeps them warm

with unwavering love.

Mei Xiang, an expert

teacher in the wild art

of being panda—

in somersaults,

head stands,

rolling down

green hills,

scooping up cubs in her paws

and coaching body surfing

on snowy slopes

at will—

climbing back

to the top with glee.

She shifts from playful

mommy to fierce protector

in a blink when crazy

noises stir the air,

shielding cubs

from harm

and chasing bugs

that seem like monsters

who dare to scare

her little bear.

When duties are done,

she rests with her cubbie,

snuggled close,

she is forever

an inspiring muse—

one of a kind.

I’ll always remember

her rolls and hugs,

and elegance—

forever

in my heart.