This change ministered By prolonged effort Does not bloom as fast As some flowers do, An entire land does not bloom Just like that.   O so slow, so slow it seems, But not really as slow As it takes a new sapling To grow into a towering giant, Or a mountain To flatten,   Or a great sea To trickle or roar, Or the comet To traverse its full course, Or the kingly sun To finally vanish.   Turn your head at what passed by, Regard what lies before you; But please, don't stare too often At your watch. Look, a flower of a country's On the verge of blooming!   (K.M.)