And to the flower that survived I do salute thy strength Through wind and frost, to still have thrived Advance at any length Though thirsty for the taste of love You held a barren field With patience and the stars above Your will to never yield Though some might say of brawny fare That therein lies the ace Yet I say, through your gentle care Endurance wins the race I know the flower that survived Though faded by the sun Thy beauty still to be derived From all that you have done Dedicated to my dear, sweet mother… (Still surviving!) Happy Mother’s day 5/14/23