Flowers wither too soon

Oh! To be a flower Nodding in the sun,

Bending, then upspringing

As the breezes run;

Holding up A scentbrimmed cup,

Full of summer's fragrance to the summer sun.

Oh! To be a butterfly

Still, upon a flower,

Winking with its painted wings,

Happy in the hour.

Blossoms hold Mines of gold Deep within the farthest heart of each chaliced flower.

Oh! To be a cloud Blowing through the blue,

Shadowing the mountains,

Rushing loudly through Valleys deep

Where torrents keep Always their plunging thunder and their misty arch of blue.

Oh! To be a wave Splintering on the sand,

Drawing back,

but leaving Lingeringly the land.

Rainbow light Flashes bright Telling tales of coral caves half hid in yellow sand.

Soon they die, the flowers;

Insects live a day;

Clouds dissolve in showers;

Only waves at play Last forever.

Shall endeavor

Make a sea of purpose mightier than we dream today?.