| Beyond the Garden�s Gate Winter fast approaching, perhaps a twist of fate; A frosty fall wind carried her beyond the garden�s gate. She rested in the brambles, beyond the old hedgerow; No soft, tilled earth to comfort her, however would she grow? Then came the howling winter winds that chill one to the bone. All the while she slept there, unprotected and alone. The ice and snow soon followed, no cover from the storms. Seemingly, no shred of hope, she laid amongst the thorns. With gentle breezes, Spring then came and warmed the garden fair. The gardener, with loving hands, cared for his blossoms, there. No such nurture given to that sole and lonely seed. No one cultivated; no one tended to her needs. Through hardened ground, she poked young leaves and stretched them toward the sky; Carefully ever upward, to reach the bright sunshine. Still, none seemed to pay her mind; perhaps they did not care, to see one small but glorious flower, among the briars, there. As summer�s warmth was waning, she withered and she fell. She made no ceremony; she cast no magic spell. Fall�s crisp air soon followed. Then, snow began to fall. Soon no proof remained there that bloom had been at all. But passing by next summer, I had to stop and stare. A hundred lovely blossoms, among the briars, there. Life�s lesson taught, I bowed my head, and humbly went my way. Carrying with me what I learned that quiet summer day. Often we�re so finical; when kindnesses we sow. But even in the darkest heart, that seed may one day grow. LilGray |