There was an Iris so loved 
It was cared for like a tender child
The child/iris grew in the spring 
In summer it bloomed and in winter
When the stem died the Iris was transplanted
In it's new home it began to grow 
And as it did I was in wonder
About how hearty this tender plant could be
It was never the tender Iris alone that survived
And indeed thrived - it was her love and care 
And her protection that gave it life 
Through all this the sweet bulb
Was guarded and fed the love she saved 
And one day  the sunshine warmed 
The soil of her soul and the rain of tears 
Watered its new roots and it bloomed 
And the wall around it 
Was changed to a picket fence
And I was allowed to see the flower
To smell it's fragrance 
And touch it's tender leaves
And then I held this wonder
Felt it's life and I grew 
Grew to see it was always my dreams 
It was always in my garden 
She is always in my heart 

© PaulViel 2001