Searching For Beauty

On either side of the stone walkway

flowers bloom, rooted and swaying,

Blue bonnets and yellow Texas Star

Purple verbena,

Scarlet clematis,

the five petaled amongst the four,

and I think to myself What a Wonderful World.

The people come into the garden, some pushing strollers,

older tourist couples, mixed race families,

a young trans woman giving her family a tour,

three women in saris, royal blue, green, maroon,

and I think to myself What a Wonderful World.

A child wanders past the blooming pond iris, looking for the turtle,

while another runs into the limestone courtyard,

a paper scavenger hunt clutched in one hand,

his father lingering to admire the stone archway,

and I think to myself What a Wonderful World.

There is a Celebration of Life in the Great Hall,

and a baby shower in the Library.

A mocking bird sings nearby,

while laughter echoes from both buildings as a woman with a walker smiles at pink primroses,

and I think to myself What a Wonderful World.

The people come searching for beauty in the blooms and my wish is that they also find it in the faces of others.

(from What a Wonderful World by George David Weise and Bob Thiele)

Link to the song sung by Louis Armstrong:

Flower Photos by B. McCreary

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bettymccreary7347

Born and raised in Central Texas. Spending time outside brings me joy and I love to share my observations. I also belong to two writing groups and enjoy researching my ancestors. I find people interesting, but Nature keeps me sane.

14 thoughts on “Searching For Beauty”

  5. such a true-to-life meditation on the joys of being fully present at the Wildflower Center … for sure I’ll be more mindful on my next volunteer shift!

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  9. I have loved this dong since I was a kid, and you’ve captured its essence wonderfully within your own context! There is another version of the song we really like on YouTube by Playing for Change that I would recommend as well.

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