The park bench was deserted as I sat down to read
Beneath the long, straggly branches of an old willow tree.

Disillusioned by life with good reason to frown,
For the world was intent on getting me down, And if that weren't
enough to ruin my day. A young boy out of breath approached me,
all tired from play.

He stood right before me with his head tilted down. And said with
great excitement, "Look what I found!" In his hand was a flower,
and what a pitiful sight, With petals all worn-not enough rain, or too
little light.
Wanting him to take his dead flower and go off to play, I faked a
small smile and then shifted away. But instead of retreating he sat
next to my side, And placed the flower to his nose and declared
with overacted surprise.
"It sure smells pretty and it's beautiful, too.
That's why I picked it; here, it's for you."

The weed before me was dying and almost dead.
Not vibrant of colors; orange, yellow or red. But I knew I must take
it or he might never leave.
So I reached for the flower and replied just what I need." But instead
of him placing the flower in my hand, He held it in mid-air, without reason
or plan.
It was then that I noticed for the very first time. That weed-toting boy
could not see; he was blind.

I heard my voice quiver, tears shone in the sun, As I thanked him for
picking the very best one. "You're welcome", he smiled, and then ran
off to play, Unaware of the impact he'd had on my day. I sat there and
wondered how he managed to see, A self-pitying woman beneath an old
willow tree.

How did he know of my self-indulged plight?
Perhaps from his heart, he'd been blessed with true sight. Through the eyes
of a blind child, at last I could see, The problem was not with the world;
the problem was me. And for all of those times I myself had been blind,
I vowed to see the beauty in life, And appreciate every second that's mine.

Then I held that wilted flower up to my nose
And breathed in the fragrance of a beautiful rose,
And smiled as I watched that young boy
Another weed in his hand, About to change the life of an unsuspecting old man.

Remember to live for today and appreciate every moment.

--Author Unknown