FORGOTTEN FLOWERS

There are no roses here
       in this dusty, barren ground.
There are no lilies near
       and no lilacs to be found.

There is no marigold
       nor a yellow daffodil;
no daisies in this cold
       vacant garden—all is still.

But deep beneath the earth
       in the long-neglected sod
There lies the garden’s worth,
       though unknown to all but God.

For when by digging deep
       ancient seeds are brought to light;
awakened from their sleep
       in the cold clay’s sunless night—

Though hidden many years,
       latent life begins to stir;
And flowers may appear
       though forgotten once they were.

Copyright © 1993, 2007 Ryan D. Neaveill