By: Danielle Russell
You are my Cahaba lillies
Pure and white.
Extraordinary and beautiful beyond compare.
Extremely rare because you’re so hard to grow.
You require extra conditions.
But anything as brilliant and magnificent as you will come with difficulties
– the necessary dues of being your keeper – To which I will gladly, patiently pay every time.
You make your own crown,
you don’t wait for someone to anoint you as royalty.
It’s in your DNA.
Forgive me, flower, for the times I was reluctant to care for you. The times my attitude did not reflect my devotion to you. Forgive me for complaining about the extra conditions you require that make you so rare and priceless to me.
You and the rocks you’re nestled into are the only constant thing in this Swift, rapid, ever changing life we live.
And Time – like the river you grow in.
It never slows down.
It waits for no one.
So I will cherish you, my lillies of the river, until I can keep you no more.
Kids + Canvas By: Dani Russell 