The Floral Essence

Some things in the world can act like a panacea, but they are usually rare. Yet, God gave us one which is abundant and probably the best gift of nature...flowers. They are everywhere, so much a part of our daily lives that we often do not realize how often we see them around us.

They bring hope and cheer up sick patients in hospital beds. They make an angry person extend forgiveness. A part of every celebration, they are perfect presents for birthdays and weddings. They show love and respect in farewells. They are a tribute to the dear departed. They are a mark of honor when presented to distinguished people.They adorn the beauty queens world over, when they hold bouquets as they are crowned.They are held with pride by victorious athletes in the Olympics as they bow to accept their medals and sing their national anthems.

They decorate our gardens, homes and offices....their images are found on our desktops, walls, curtains, sheets...almost anything that you can think of can be decorated with floral patterns. They inspire poetry, art and photography. They are vibrant with color and spread fragrance. We search for their essence in our favorite cosmetics, candles and sprays.They appear in our daily lives in truly countless ways.

Think of a day when you did not encounter flowers...while walking in a neighborhood, in the landscape of your school or office, or at least their image or fragrance in any of the stationary or personal items that you use... It would be really hard to think of even a single day when flowers did not make your day a better one.

For oft, when on my couch I lie

In vacant or in pensive mood,

They flash upon that inward eye

Which is the bliss of solitude;

And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

"Daffodils" (1804) By William Wordsworth