Have you ever seen a flowering Angel’s Trumpet plant?

Simply gorgeous:

When she was a teen, Mom wrote about the plant, creating a story about how it came to be. Her high-school newspaper printed this work of prose in 1946.

Here’s the full piece:

The Herald of Heaven

In a gladed forest shaded by dense foliage grows a lowly plant, lowly, that is, in stature. Botanists have christened it “Angel’s trumpet” due to its peculiar shape. No one seemed to know its origin until the aged hermit ventured from his recluse to disclose the secret of the “Angel’s trumpet.”

Gabriel was extremely fond of his golden trumpet. On every proper occasion, its ceremonious blasts would shatter the serenity of Heaven. The Master, aware of Gabriel’s good intentions, suggested new instruments to him. The trumpeter, however was satisfied with none but his own. He shrugged. All the rest resounded feebly and did not command the respect as did his incomparable horn. Finally, the Master, prudent and paternal, presented Gabriel a proposition.

“You know, Gabriel,” He began …

” … your tooting has created quite a sensation here. I am afraid, though, that it has been an unfavorable one.”

The plaintiff shuffled from one foot to another, a pathetically downtrodden soul.

“Not that you don’t play well,” continued the Master. “It isn’t that at all. You just express yourself too emotionally. So from now on, I’m restricting you to the silver-toned bugle. I’m shipping your trumpet down ‘there’ for a while. However, when I summon my flock for an eternal assemblage, you will accompany me. Then you may blow it, perpetually, if you so wish.

Gabriel was definitely stunned. Feeling vocally petrified, he bowed, his eyes humbly apologizing.

If any of us possessed the power to glimpse into Heaven, I am sure they would spot Gabriel, perched on some extremity of that kingdom, his chin cupped in his hands. I am also sure, if they extended his gaze they would find it directed toward some forest, where a wistful “angel’s trumpet” hugged the ground.

~ Joan Cassidy, 16 ~ May 1946

There’s a lot of information available about the exotic Angel’s Trumpet plant; here’s a brief synopsis. Don’t miss the part about it being poisonous and hallucinogenic. Gabriel definitely wants you to look, but not touch!

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“The Herald of Heaven” © 1946  Joan Cassidy. All rights reserved.

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