The Flower and the Tree

Flower standing small and fair

There beside a towering tree,

Looking up at the tree said,

“I wish I were so mighty.”

“I would be more useful if

Birds lived in me safe and sound—

I would shelter and protect

Animals from all around.”

“I would be more useful if

People made me into chairs,

Or if I made the wooden beams

That built their houses, floors, and stairs.”

Mighty wind began to blow;

Flower swayed with every gust.

Gust far stronger than the tree

Knocked the tree down to the dust.

Lying sad upon the ground

There beside the lovely flower,

Tree looked up at her and said,

“Oh, to have your charming power!”

“I would be enchanting if

I swayed gently with the breeze,

Rather than resist and fall;

Stubborn pride is what felled me.”

“I would be enchanting if

 I made nectar for the bees,

If young lovers plucked me up

To share and cherish my beauty.”

See the old magnolia tree,

Bright and dancing by a stream,

Clothed in pink and ivory blooms,

High and clear, begins to sing:

“Tree you must not envy flower;

Flower do not envy tree.

Blending strength and beauty makes

Heaven’s sweetest harmonies.”