Nature and Man

What is your purpose, Tulip?
With your strong stem and long,
Thick leaves that caress your sides.
You have solid pedals incaved,
Sporadic bloom conditioned to the weather.
Such sturdy stance, yet weak, delicate Life.

What defines you, Rose?
Your thorned neck that protects,
Still not taking away your lovely shape,
Deep captivating Red.
You are the token of two lovers' kiss,
A symbol of beauty, Universal.
Guarded, stubborn as you are,
Fragile to wither, so soon.

How do you live, Mankind?
Such varying exterior, even more unique interior.
Finding some task to distract away inevitable fate,
To adorn and decorate inscribed stone.
Unnoticed decaying from day to day,
Yet the Spirit enduring the wilt,
Running forever--whether
Flying or grounded.