Here's to all the flowers in our life and here on the board - ((((((((HUGS)))))))) rose
At Fri, 24 May 2002, Ccryder752@aol.com wrote:
>
>The park bench was deserted as I sat down to read
>Beneath the weeping branches of an old willow tree,
>Disillusioned by life with good reason to frown,
>For the world was intent on dragging me down.
>
>And as if to ruin my rare quiet day,
>A young boy approached me, all tired from play.
>He stood right before me with his head tilted down
>And said with excitement, "Look what I found!"
>
>In his hand was a flower, and what a pitiful sight,
>With its petals all faded, from no rain or light.
>Wanting him to take his dead flower and go play,
>I faked a small smile and then shifted away.
>
>But instead of retreating he sat by my side
>And sniffed at the flower and declared with surprise,
>"It sure smells pretty and it's beautiful, too.
>That's why I picked it; here, it's for you."
>
>The poor weed before me was dying or dead,
>No bright vibrant colors, no yellow or red.
>But I knew I must take it, or he might never leave.
>So I reached out my hand and said, "Just what I need."
>
>But instead of him placing the flower in my hand,
>He held it mid-air without reason or plan.
>It was then that I noticed for the very first time
>That weed-toting boy could not see, he was blind.
>
>I heard my voice quiver, tears shone like the sun
>As I thanked him for picking the very best one.
>"You're welcome," he smiled, and then ran off to play,
>Unaware of the impact he'd had on my day.
>
>I sat there and wondered how he managed to see
>A self-pitying woman beneath an old tree.
>How did he know of my self-indulged plight?
>Perhaps in his heart, he'd been blessed with true sight.
>
>Through the eyes of a blind child, at last I could see
>The problem was not with the world, it was me.
>And for all of those times I myself had been blind
>I vowed to see beauty, and appreciate what's mine.
>
>I held that wilted flower up to my nose
>And breathed in the fragrance of a beautiful rose,
>And smiled as the boy, another weed in his hand,
>Went to change the life of an unsuspecting old man. Author Unknown