The Tale of Sir Edward Daffodil-or Why Friendship is Important

 

 

It’s Friday and you know what that means..poetry in Five!  Today’s word was FRIEND.  I am delighted so much with what I have to share today…such fun!  It reminds me a little bit of Beatrix Potter and Lewis Caroll-each of whom were poetic influences in my childhood and early adult life.  I hope you enjoy today’s piece!

 

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The Tale of Sir Edward Daffodil-or Why Friendship is Important

 

Said the Snowdrop to her dearest friend-

“I am so glad you’re here!

To be alone in this frigid cold,

Would surely be horrid my dear!

The Winter wind whipped as it turned to Spring

And we were but covered in snow,

But at least we didn’t go it alone-

It helps to have friends, you know!”

 

 

Said the second Snowdrop to the first-

“Well said, I must concur!

A pair of us is better than one,

And more pleasant, as it were!

Did you see Sir Edward Daffodil

With his regal golden crown?

He may be rich, but alone he was

And the wind knocked him clean down!”

 

 

“Aye!” , said the Snowdrop to her friend,

” ‘Twas such a tragedy!

We may be small and not as Grand,

But thank goodness we have WE!”

 

And they stood with bowed heads in the Evening Sun,

As if in silent prayer-

For the gift of friendship that kept them warm

Through the storms and the cold Winter air!

© Rebekah Ann Stephenson 2014

 

 

 

 This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, “Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?” It is all so meaningless and depressing.

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.

If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.

Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone?

 ~Ecclesiastes 4:8-11

 

Today’s poem was inspired by a true story.  Actually, it was first inspired by the a verse that popped in my head on two being better than one.  When I started writing the poem, it came forth in the voice of our cottage garden flowers!  I had to laugh at what unfolded, as the latest photos I had taken of the snowdrops happened to be in a pair.  I found a pair of Snowdrops coming up near a slab of cement, which I thought made an interesting photo.  They were pointed to a lone daffodil growing just a foot or so away.  The daffodil only lasted 2 days before it was “knocked clean down” by a storm with snow and ice (in mid April mind you!).  The pair of snowdrops were still standing proudly together after the storm.  (Don’t worry though, I saved Sir Edward Daffodil and brought him inside to “press”.  He will have a prime spot in my garden journal to show off all his glory 😉 )

When that scripture popped in my head , I did not know the other verses surrounding it (except for the one directly after)!  I was pleasantly surprised that the longer passage told a story that fit so well with today’s inspired poem.  God and His surprises 😉 !  Indeed, two are better than one.  If you are feeling alone though (friend wise) , remember that there is one friend who never leaves your side…Jesus!  Like the old hymnal says, “What a friend we have in Jesus….thou wilt find a solace there.”  During those times in life when I have felt alone for whatever reason, those words have rung true for me.

 

Who is the friend that is by your side during the storms or “Winter’s” of your life?  

I didn’t name the 2 Snowdrops- What names do you think the Snowdrop flower friends call each other?  😀 

I would love to hear what’s on your mind in the comments below!

 

Keep living inspired!  Remember to look around you-stories and inspiration are EVERYwhere!

Warmly,

Rebekah