The Most Beautiful Flower

The park bench was deserted as I sat down to read
Beneath the long, straggly branches of an old willow tree
Disillusioned by life with good reason to frown 
For the world was intent on dragging me down. 

And if that weren't enough to ruin my day,
A young boy out of breath approached me,  all tired from play.
He stood right before me with his head tilted down 
And said with great excitement, "Look what I  found!" 

In his hand was a flower, and what a pitiful sight, 
With its petals all worn - not enough rain, or too little light. 
Wanting him to take his dead flower and go off to play,
I faked a small smile and then shifted away. 

But instead of retreating he sat next to my side
And placed the flower to his nose 
And declared with overacted  surprise, 
"It sure smells pretty and it's beautiful, too.
That's why I picked it; here, it's for you." 

The weed before me was dying or dead. 
No vibrant colors: orange, yellow or red.
But I knew I must take it, or he might never leave. 
So I reached for the flower and replied.  "Just what I need." 

But instead of him placing the flower in my hand, 
He held it mid-air without reason or plan. 
It was then that I noticed for the very first time 
That weed-toting boy could not see: he was blind. 

I heard my voice quiver; tears shone in the sun 
As I thanked him for picking the very best one. 
Through the eyes of a blind child, at last I could see 
The problem was not with the world; the problem was me. 

And for all of those times I myself had been blind, 
I vowed to see the beauty in life,
And appreciate every second that's mine. 
And then I held that wilted flower up to my nose 
and breathed in the fragrance of a beautiful rose 
And smiled as I watched that young boy, 
Another weed in his hand, 
About to change the life of an unsuspecting old man. 

(Unknown author )