The Lessons Life Teaches, A Collection of Short Stories.

It Seems No One Looked At The Roses...

 I was pruning in the garden late one summer eve. When I noticed that no one seemed to enjoy the roses, as they were passing by. I think that they are so pretty, even though, a bit garish they may be. So I asked a man who happened by, "aren't the flowers pretty?" His reply took me by surprise. "Oh, I guess they are as pretty as you can see. But the multi-colored plastic ones - the colors are much brighter, they last longer, are cheaper and are a lot less work for me." I stood there for a moment trying to think what Graham Thomas might have said. Then just as I had formed my response, he added "If you spray a little perfume on them - they smell more sweet than these." I thanked him for his perspective and watched him on his way. For a moment, I contemplated digging up my garden and replacing them with simulated flowers made with colored dye. Just then a sparrow, who was listening on the fence, flitted down and looked me in the eye. Then to my amazement he began to speak. "Can you believe that guy? I bet he has plastic frog in his yard. The one with batteries - that makes an irritating croak. Don't worry my friend, and my friend you are. We all love the roses. The birds, the bees, the ladybugs and butterflies, and even the aphid, too. So don't you worry and don't despair. We all care. And as far as I'm concerned you're not so bad yourself. " I stood there for a minute, hoping I was asleep. Then I looked at the sparrow who shrugged his shoulders, chirped and flew away. I really don't know what happened here. But of one thing I am sure. The birds and bees, butterflies and ladybugs, and even the aphids, too, will always be welcome here. To rest among these fragrant flowers without a plastic frog.