The Wilted Flower

By Alyssa McCaffrey, age 15, California

 

Oh, my dear,
You are like a flower,
Unlike any I’ve ever seen.

I know you
Will soon be picked
From the garden.

You are delicate,
And a few of your petals
Have been plucked,

And your leaves
May have withered a bit,

And you’re not quite
As strong as you
Maybe once were,

And yet, when people
Come to the garden,
You will be noticed

And still be called
Unique and pretty,
Even if wilted.

Oh, my dear,
You are a beautiful flower,
Unlike any I’ve ever seen.