A tiny flower peeks from beneath the white blanket of winter.
It's happy face is a welcome sight to all who pass by.
The young flower brings hope and happiness after the snow.
As it grows, all who see it exclaim at it's beauty.
But suddenly, catching everyone unaware, the frost comes swiftly and silently.
Now the flower no longer grows, and all who remember it's beauty sorrow; for they can no longer share in it's little life.
The flower is gone, but the memory remains.
Everyone remembers and the memory keeps them warm as the snow comes again.
In memory of my niece, Missy, whom I never really got to know, but whom I shall never forget. She came to us during a springtime and left us before enough winters had passed.
(Poem Copyright Held By Carlene Swick, 1989)