There was an Iris so loved
It was cared for like a tender child
The child/Iris grew in the spring
In summer it bloomed and in winter
When the stem died the Iris was transplanted
In it's new home it began to grow
And as it did I was in wonder
About how hearty this tender plant could be
It was never the tender Iris alone that survived
And indeed thrived - it was her love and care
And her protection that gave it life
Through all the years this sweet bulb
Was guarded and fed the love she saved
And one day the sunshine warmed
The soil of her soul and the rain of tears
Watered its new roots and it bloomed
And the wall around it
Was changed to a picket fence
And I was allowed to see the flower
To smell it's fragrance
And touch it's tender leaves
And then I left this wonder
To it's life and I went on
To only see it in my dreams
It was never in my garden
Only in my heart

© Paul Viel 2000