My Chrysanthemums

I have a small vase with large, white, bright chrysanthemums

On  my kitchen window.

Three things are special about them.

First , they were given to me by a very handsome young man,

Out of love, and a desire to please.

Though - the stems are too short and they were not yet in full bloom.

Second, I had planted them myself a year ago -

And although they had been neglected,

And left un-watered through the summer heat,

An had been abused by the children's play,

They still persevered

And brought pleasure to me today.

And third, although as I mentioned, 

When Brent gave them to me,

They were not in their prettiest bloom,

Each day , they grow more beautiful

And more bright and white,

And bring more happiness into my kitchen.

I wish I were like the chrysanthemums.

Growing strong on my own -

Through the discomforts of life -

Unruffled by the children's play -

And always ready to give of myself 

To make another's day brighter and happier.

barbara cope
copyright  Oct. 29, 1967