The Rose

By Solveig Paulson Russell

I saw a rosebud folded tight

Before I went to bed last night.

This morning when I went to see,

A big surprise was there for me.

The bud had somehow found a way

To open up into the day.

Each rosy petal had unfurled

To add more beauty to the world.

And there it was in beauty bright,

Fragrant and lovely in the light.

I stood and looked upon it there,

And then I said a little prayer:

“Dear Father, thank Thee for this rose

And for each thing that lives and grows.

Thank Thee for Thy wondrous care

That lies about us everywhere.”

Photo by Eldon K. Linschoten