Contest entries for 15 for 15 (book).

Spreading Hope: (Jan 25 – Flower)

Spreading Hope

The little flower by the quagmire,
Sudden and stately from nowhere,
Tender, yellow, and shining bright
On a stem, green, thin and slight.

The roadside, rough and repulsive
The slime, black and oppressive
Yet, the blossom by the wayside
Single, and alone does over ride.

Surrounded by a bleak environ
Abandoned to thrive, on its own,
Swayed the little yellow flower
A welcome sight, to the observer.

So do some, the rare and exclusive of us
Like gems they emit light in darkness thus.
Those of will, effort and determination
Despite cruel fate, and discrimination

Spread love, hope and happiness
Across their world and that of others
Instill courage and confidence
In the poor millions of continents.

They bring the candle of joy and hope
Even in the face death, inspire to cope
They fill their fellow humans even in desperation
With life, vigor and renewed aspiration.