THE STORY OF A FLOWER

In the season of wild strawberries    I came from the earth as a flower    High on a hill above my village, with only The Eagle, the Buffalo, the Bear, and the Butterfly To watch the petals of my spirit unfold. The Eagle spoke first. He said:    Sister, you will never have wings like me,    Except in the pathways of your dreams, Yet you will fly to the top of the sky Because I give you the Gift of Courage. The Buffalo spoke next. He said:    Sister, you will never survive a long time like me,    Except on the trail of your memories, Yet you will see a thousand winters go by Because I give you the Gift of Endurance. The Bear spoke next. He said:    Sister, you will never know the secrets    Of the Four-Legged animals, since you are only a flower, Yet the knowledge of all creatures is yours Because I give you the Gift of Wisdom. The Butterfly spoke next. She said:    Sister, you believe you are very important,    Because the creatures have given thier gifts to you, Yet here on this hill you will always be at home Because I give you the Gift of Humility. So I have lived for many seasons,    Among the Eagle, the Buffalo, The Bear, and the Butterfly,    Watching the birds go by, speaking to rain and sky. My colours have been the colors of the rainbow. My beauty has given joy to all those who see me. To bloom even when there is no rain    Requires the Courage of the Eagle. To last through the heavy snows of winter    Requires the Endurance of the Buffalo. To understand the importance of all seasons    Requires the Wisdom of the Bear. But to rejoice when my blossoms die    Requires only the Butterfly's Humility.