Glenn Ford - Flower Power

What is a flower? With it's puny petals and stem
Just a cultivated weed to be crushed under foot
It is not exactly a precious shiny gem
Its just flora, not even worth a second look

What is a flower? A different colour with every bloom
A supplier of pollen for bees to make honey
To be collected as a bunch to brighten a room
Sold in a market for man to make money

What is a flower? Given to loved ones on special days
Worn as decoration around necks and on heads
Adorned on carnival carts and shop displays
Given to the sick as they lay on thier beds

What is a flower? With its perfume so sweet
Its aroma evoking memories of days gone by
Given from lover to lover when they first meet
To lift your spirits and make your heart fly

What is a flower? Used as a symbol of peace
Red petals signifying blood shed by the brave
On those killing fields in Flanders and Ypres
Left for the courageous men as they lay in their graves

What is a flower? Protruding from the barrel of a gun
Does it mean the gunman will not shoot?
So many people's lives would be happy and fun
But beware the flower in the barrel has no root!

What is a flower? Just a weed on the ground
With grass that grows in between
Insignificantly growing not making a sound
To be walked past and not even seen!

Glenn Ford

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/flower-power-5/