Miss Violet's Wisdom

One bright Spring day, while gardening,
Amidst my flowering throng,
Pulling weeds,
Planting seeds,
I sang a cheery song;

A bumble bee said, "Pardon Me,
You're picking from my row!
Move on, move on,
Just get along,
And don't forget your hoe!"

A tiny violet touched my hand,
And said, "For goodness sake!
That bee was rude,
Such attitude -
He always wants to take;

I love your song,
I'll nod along;
Why not put down the rake?"
And since the sun was very hot,
I sat down for a break;

"Why all the fuss?", Miss Violet said,
"And why your worried brow?
Don't you see the beauty
That's all around you now?

And, don't you know how lovely
Are the smiles you strew about,
Those cheerful flowers from deep inside,
Are the prettiest, no doubt.

When you think your garden's messy,
That your efforts are in vain,
Remember why you planted it,
What you hoped to gain,
You're a part of life's great chorus,
So smile, and sing again!"
  Edie Batstone