Keeper of the Flowers

"Please don't pick the flowers"
the little girl replied
she knelt beside them, lovingly
then, let out with a sigh

"They have a right to stand here
"she turned her little face
and looked up at me, thoughtfully
intent with such distaste

"Sissy...she likes this one"
she pointed to the ground
her face was all aglow with love
what a happy child I'd found

we sat and talked for hours
this little girl, and I
the time had come, I had to leave
I hated to say goodbye

As I arose and started to go
she took me by the hand
her touch sent chills right thru me
I could barely stand

The love I felt, had touched her
had given her no surprise
as if she willed it to happen
I gazed into her eyes

"Remember, don't pick the flowers"
the little girl said, with a smile
as I turned and started to leave
so lost in thought over this child

As I strolled I saw the girl,
from the corner of my eye,
duck behind this headstone
that loomed 'gainst the bright blue sky

and as I drew near, I got a glimpse
of the photo imbedded in this tower...
I knelt as I said a little prayer
for the keeper of the flowers...

© ™NillaSwirl

* Dedicated to my little sister, Danielle O'Dette Backus...who sadlylost her life in a car accident on Sept.4th,1968

http://www.willowsrealm.com/keeperoftheflowers.html