How to Survive A Cold And Weary World - an Easter Story by the Arctic Lily

The arctic poppy stretched into existence rooted on a rock surrounded by ice it unfurled its lemon cream petals in an open embrace with the sun the small meek flower filled with warmth and smiled A scorpionfly buzzed by and declared, “How tedious it must be to spend one’s day staring at a ball of light. Instead tantalize your eyes with the earthly fun, glory, and excitement around you! Animals intertwine their limbs and horns, rivers frolic and dance, and mountains lengthen to show off their fine dress layered with a multitude of colors and textures.” But, the quiet flower gazed only at the sun. A wolf spider dropped by and persuaded, “Poor child, snow completely surrounds you. Ice even grows from your stem and hairs. It’s okay to surrender for a moment. Droop your head curl in your petals and rest your eyes. But, the yellow bloom only turned more golden as it kept its eyes steady upon the fiery globe above A grey wolf its eyes always darting padded quietly up to our hero and whispered, “This is a dangerous land and you are much too sweet. Of course, you’re safe from me. However, there’s a reindeer nearby and I am afraid to it you are prey. Quick! Duck! Hide! Be safe! But, the poppy resolutely stood more erect while its sight never wavered from the great light in the sky A grizzly bear although seemingly in a hurry looked down down down upon the humble poppy and growled, “Don’t you know that winter is coming? There’s far too much to be done for one to take time to stare at the sun! Be intelligent and focus only on the tasks of the world. Heed my word or perish little one.” But, the arctic poppy chose to keep its sights on celestial heights And the seasons changed And the snow piled high And the faithful flower was buried And the seasons changed And the snow melted And the devoted flower returned For you see this plant had learned from centuries old memories of One who perfectly kept His sight upon The Light was buried and rose again