[FeminineAllure]

The Most Beautiful Flower


The park bench was deserted as I sat down to read

Beneath the long, straggly branches of an old willow tree.

Disillusioned by life, with good reason to frown,

For the world was intent on dragging me down.



And, if that weren't enough to ruin my 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 a pitiful sight,

With its petals all worn ... from too little 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 next to me,

Placed the flower to his nose and declared cheerfully,

"It sure smells pretty and it's beautiful, too.

That's why I picked it. Here, it's for you."



The weed before me was dying or dead,

Not vibrant of colors, orange, yellow or red.

But I knew I must take it, or he might never leave.

So, I reached for the flower 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 shown in 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 willow tree.

How did he know of my self-indulged plight?

Perhaps from 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 those times I myself had been blind,

I vowed to see beauty in life and appreciate each second that's mine.



Then, I held that wilted flower up to my nose,

And breathed in the fragrance of a beautiful rose.

And I smiled as I watched that young boy, another weed in his hand,

About to change the life of an unsuspecting old man.

(Author Unknown)