Golden Blossoms by Angela Nicole Bo

An ode to the narra trees and flowers for the comfort they bring in a demanding world.

First published in Pandan Weekly in January 2025.

​From the author:

While writing this piece, I suddenly realized that there are things that will unexpectedly send you hope and help you cope. Even if you’re at a point in life where you don’t know what to do next, there’s always a way to get through it. Just like a flower blooming, it goes through a process before it fully blossoms. I also thought about how writing can truly help someone release the heavy feelings within their soul.

I would like to thank The Southeast Asia Exchange for recommending us to join SEA Lit Circle, and, of course, the entire SEA Lit Circle community—Stephanie, everyone who workshopped with me, and all the writers who have been with me on this journey.

To my friends and family who supported me, offering feedback and encouragement, thank you for always being there.

Finally, and most importantly, to Sir Aldrin, my 10th-grade English teacher and adviser—you’re the reason I’m here today, pursuing this. Thank you so much, Sir!

Listen to the author read her work:

As I walk this path to school, it’s you again I see—
Narra tree, once more you catch my eye,
Your branches spreading wide,
Golden blossoms glowing against the sky.

Your charm always makes me smile,
You make me feel yellow—
A vibrant burst of blossoms
Wrapping my heart in warmth.

When birds sing their serenades,
A rhythm flows through my soul,
And I drift like your leaves,
Dancing gently in the breeze,
Letting my restless mind find peace.

Your comfort reaches my weary soul,
Freeing me from pressures that bind me tight.
Even in the darkness of test scores and deadlines,
I know I won’t be lost, even if my world
Feels like it might crumble around me.

Amid the whirl of classes and grades,
With each breath I take,
I find light and hope,
Guided by your golden blossoms—
You bring me back home.

Angela Nicole Bo is a graduating STEM student from the province of Albay, Philippines. She’s a procrastinator, often choosing to write in her notes rather than start her schoolwork. Her hobbies include listening to R&B and K-pop songs, reading articles on Medium, and exploring writing.

Instagram: @_xyniee

Thank you for reading!

Pandan Weekly is a bi-annual zine and weekly email series produced by SEA Lit Circle, a community of writers and readers from Southeast Asia and the diaspora. At SEA Lit Circle, we inspire each other to write fresh, compelling work that’s true to ourselves, and we encourage each other to read and be more open to new works, stories, and perspectives within and beyond the region.

Subscribe to Pandan Weekly’s newsletter by leaving your email below.

We’d love to feature your writing. We want the works you wish someone out there would resonate with; works you write for fun, for your peace of mind, or for you to understand the world or yourself better; works you wish you had grown up with—works that beg for connections, or empathy. Check our submission guidelines through the link below.