Why be grateful for

that burst of yellow gladness

some stranger planted

along my path?

Like all such beauty,

it will pass –

droop, shrivel, and decay –

an unwelcome reminder

of all that was and all that lies ahead.

But for a fleeting moment,

gratitude  filled my heart

and my mind  stopped doing

all that minds are wont to do.

                                                                                 JDG