the poem

In a previous post (the happy new year one) I made reference to a poem that my mom had on the refrigerator while I was growing up. Imagine my joyful surprise when, during a visit to celebrate Jubilee and Jem's birthdays, my mom handed me an envelope that contained the poem. How fun! Thanks, Mom! So here is the poem, author unknown, that is so simple and yet so true. May it impact your life like it has mine.

I would rather have one little rose
From the garden of a friend
Than to have the choicest flowers
When my stay on earth must end.

I would rather have a pleasant word
In kindness said to me
Than flattery when my heart is still,
And life has ceased to be.

I would rather have a loving smile
From friends I know are true
Than tears shed 'round my casket
When to this world I bid adieu.

Bring me all your flowers today,
Whether pink, or white, or red;
I'd rather have one blossom now
Than a truckload when I'm dead.