To listen to 'Nature' by Dr Audrey Coatesworth from her book 'Growing up, read by the author, go to
http://www.primaryschoolpoems.com/#/listen-and-read-nature/4529857440
The picture is painted by David S Earnshaw( eldest brother of the author)
Nature
What kind of flower would I be
If I had not come here as me?
What lovely colour would I chose?
There are so many, I couldn't lose
Would I have a fragrant smell?
Or like a rose have thorns as well?
Would I be dainty, pretty and small?
The lily of the valley has them all
An autumn flower, colourful, strong?
A chrysanthemum blooming long ?
A sunflower reaching to the light
Standing proud, its colour bright?
A Dahlia boasting many blooms
Holding the stage in many rooms?
Beautiful, stylish, an orchid be
Exquisite, just a joy to see?
A freesia delicate, fragrant, sweet
As lovely as ever you could meet?
There are hundreds I could mention
I give just a few for your attention!
I would not want to be a weed
They do not ever seem to heed
The needs of other plants around
And just take over any ground
As if a random hand has thrown
When pulled up, again have grown
And everywhere they do appear
Carelessly spreading with no fear
Without a care, giving no joy
Not even beauty do they employ
Arrogant, selfish all the way
Not giving, just taking every day
Flowers and weeds are all around
On this earth, growing in the ground
If you could choose
What would you be?
What would we all get to see?
Poem copyrightACoatesworth2007