UNKNOWN SHRUB
Across the street grows a shrub, the name I do not know,
In springtime it had fragrant blossoms, such a pretty show.
All through summer it was clad in green, quite mundane,
Much like the magnificent magnolia’s short glorious reign.

Then the other day through the cold rain I saw it there,
I could not help at it’s great beauty to stand and stare,
A mass of bright red leaves that gave off a sweet glow,
Warming that cold damp day with it’s marvelous show.

Then when the warm sun shine came the very next day
It seemed to come more alive and in it’s own special way
Sent a message of hope to all the drab things that live
That a time of their own glory the Lord will surely give.

Just a little shrub it’s beauty overshadowed in spring,
Not worth a glance in the summer, the poor little thing,
But this week every head has turned, being noticed at last,
And cheered many a soul that wandered reverently past.

(Millicent) Ann Margetson October 10, 2003