For Regina A Friend A friend is like a shade tree Beside a summer way. A friend is like the sunshine That makes a perfect day. A friend is like a flower That's worn close to the heart. A friend is like a treasure With which one will not part. From Lisa Flowers © By Elsie Schoeffel In the quiet of winter the flowers sleep A white blanket of snow covers their feet. The cold earth holds them patient and meek Enticed by the first breath of spring they peek. The earth stirs and the shoots begin to sprout- Hear them saying Let me out, Let me out. Their strong slender stalks begin to grow Getting ready for their spring style show. First purple, white, yellow, mixed crocus appear- Then a rainbow of tulips, planted last year. Soon the golden daffodils; Oh what a sight This first sample of colors gives great delight. Iris, peony, lupine, lily and rose Sweetly scented fragrance pleases the nose. A bouquet of flowers doing their part With colors that dazzle the eyes and heart. Set your eyes upon this beautiful display Keeping this picture to treasure each day. Profusely they bloom for weeks in the summer- Soon fading again for their winter slumber. Before long the snowflakes begin to fall- Telling the flowers this is the end of their ball. Once again they sleep in the cold of the earth Waiting for spring to announce their rebirth. Beauty of the Night © By Erika Y. Garcia Moonlight peeks in from in between the willow trees Whose leaves sweep the ground with a graceful air Roses bloom with beauty and wonder As ivy grows in delicate vines around a wall Water gathers in a pond of life and death As dew kisses the roses sweet petals While the sweet music of the forest plays all around Moss as soft as a new born babe's bottom Fireflies light up the night sky like the stars and moon While the plant life whisper their secrets of life The wind gives my face a gentle air kiss Forest spirits play and sing in peaceful harmony In the night by moonlight and starlight nature blooms into its true beauty Nothing in the world can compare to this splendid wonder and sheer beauty All round nature whispers and sings to me of her secrets and joys This is where I feel at home, at peace Nothing and no one can take this away from me In the night is where the real beauty takes place When the moon peeks in from in between the willow trees