The many colors I grow,

      How many shades can be seen.

The family affair and the many seasons I spring,

      Springing up from the darkness into the marvelous light.

I grow tall yet many are small.

Our foundation strong rooted deep like an old slave song.

I see them all that look like me some not like me but I know we are family.

Many of us plucked and pulled up mixed in with various shades,

   Violets, blues, yellows and pinks.

Oh what a beautiful array-ngement!

Weddings and birthdays,

     Graduations, centerpieces,

       Engagements, anniversaries, and fleshly farewells.

We stand in the mist bringing beauty, defeating the beast!

Watered and fed some live some die.

Some die just to live again bringing sweet fragrances,

        Like honey to a bee.

Some of us even hang on a Tree.