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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
Copyright ©
Robert Sidwell
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