Hidden Beauty

Hidden Beauty

You will find treasures there

In the bosom of a rose—In a tulip’s heart

Inside the flesh of a lily, a trillium, an iris,

A zinnia, all bound up

Treasures finer than pure gold

 Like gemstones

Nestled among velvet wrappings

 Hidden deep inside until

The sky's heat-lamp warms it;

Rain caresses, 

Coaxes petals back;

 Colors some out to sing

The real flower is unearthed.

People rush along—hurry—hidden

Swallowed by coats and sweaters;

Fleeing a critical world,

Protecting their hearts,
Shielding their souls,

Then the light dawns—Jesus!

He shines more and more

He comes with peace that heals
Deep wounds.
Soft rain of truth 

Wonderful light of His face

Warms and beautifies

Layers fall back
Petals unfold—showing true selves

Authentic—open and honest
Smiling back at the world once more;

Precious as the day

He made them.

© 2014 by Elece Hollis, author of  A Celebration of Family with Helen Steiner Rice   http://bit.ly/1m7uCeK

Read Elece's other blogs:  http://whatsgoodabouthome.blogspot.com/