The Soul Garden 

In the ice storm of mischief the blooms strive,
wrapped upon themselves against the cold
and bitter pelting of the snow,
the roses sway gently in the wind.

The tea rose, with kindness curled
within the velvet petals;
the Ruby Red, that shelters waiting love,
and keeps it warm 
throughout the harshest times;

the hardy Garden Queen, 
keeping courage in its clutches;
the pale pink bloom that guards compassion 
with its fragile cloak
as effective as any conch or steel.

Against the torrents and the ice,
against all weather that is meted on the soul
all those things that make survivors
never falter in our need. 





           march  2004
                ŠJanet Reid

Awarded by Flowing Quills