The Lily

There was a lily, tall and strong that stood against the wind. It bowed its head and weaved and bobbed,  its stem sometimes would bend. But it was young and full of love, with happiness it sighed. Then years rolled by and something changed The lily learned to cry. But lily held her head up high and took the blows that came. The lightening flashed, the thunder roared, Her leaves were thrashed with rain. The storm raged on and then was gone; a new day dawned again. But lily's leaves were torn and stripped Her life was filled with pain. The lily fought with all her might and faced new foes each day. But just as soon as one fell down Two more rose in her way. The lily's strength was almost gone; her story almost told. Then someone smiled and offered her A loving hand to hold. The lily took the loving hand and struggled to her feet. And found a host of friends around Most she would never meet. The lily's bloom was beautiful, she shared with everyone. She reached out with her shattered leaves She smiled and brought the sun. The lily doesn't know her strength or all the good she's done. But all the other flowers know And bless her, every one. The lily's path is hard for her and those who love her so. But God is watching every day; One day she'll tread on gold. To Dale from Jeanette with love 8/21/02