THE LITTLEST OF ALL
PETALS OF LOVE
I am a flower of the sun, the sunflower. Tall and upright reaching for the sky. A centurion, standing above all others guarding those below. I am humble in my task, with large petals, making an umbrella giving protection to the little ones under my care. They look up at me in wonder, to my greatness of my height. It is not that I am greater, only higher, with the same needs of water and soil. Is it better to be as high, basking in the sun? Or is it better to be little, cooling in the shade? The elements of nature fall upon me with disregard of my height. In a storm I am thrashed about, whirling from side to side from the wind. Will I fall down, my stalk breaking apart? I have no protection through the day and night. God made me for what I am, a sunflower, with a face of brightness, smiling with a brilliance of colors. Although I am unscented, with no fragrance, my friends are here to keep me company, birds, butterflies and bees. We frolic in the sun, giving gifts to those who watch us as they pass by. This is how it is way up here, petals of love, surrounded by a face of God’s presence.
Robert J Varrick
rvarrick@cox.net