I watered them each day
took care to pull the weeds
gently overturned the dirt 
just like a flower needs

I saw the bees were busy
doing what the bees will do
and let them do their work
then did my own work too

I noticed the birds had come
  cool drinks they did seek
I tried not to frighten them
as I moved around to peek

And then one day I hurried
to see what had begun
with just a touch of water
some soil and the sun

I stared with disbelief
 some of my flowers had died
I tilted my head a little
and then I gently cried

But then I held my chin up
and thought for just awhile
so that within a short time
I once again began to smile

I realized that the flowers
could be just like a friend
some friendships fade away 
and some will never end

Some friends only annuals
you replace from year to year
some friends are perennials
once planted always there

Some can not survive
or last through gentle rains
wilting like the flowers petals
and soon no trace remains

Some are strong and lasting
and you know for sure
that through a raging storm
they'll flourish and endure

Now in my friendship garden
I feel each day it is true
when I see the beautiful flowers
reminding me of friends like you

Author: Sharon Schafer