The tawny Daylilies
of orange and red,
are suspended like star bursts
above the carpeted bed.
They hang like streetlights
over the green splendor,
and illuminate the envious riot,
so tender.
The tangle of fronds
though they reach for the sky,
will crane their heads vainly
although they must try
to attain the heights
and the lofty glory,
that their progeny mount
to tell their sweet story.
The blooms burst like fireworks
coloring the heavens above,
and broadcast their fragrant
message of love.
To all who would listen
to their honeyed-song,
heard with their hearts
though it wouldn't last long.
For the Lily did know
that her day would soon end,
her time was but brief
for her message to send.
So she bloomed so brightly
with all of her might,
and swayed with the wind
though it gave her such fright.
For the glory of others
for those down below,
who had lifted her up
to make such a show.
And that was the story of love
that she told,
the heart's sacrifice
is greater than gold.

I can't explain how
I knew it would be,
that when the time came
you'd go before me.
The colors you chose
to adorn your life,
like a Mardi Gras float
mad with joyful delight.
A million miles an hour
was just how you lived,
all that any could ask
was all you could give.
No challenges before you
made you shrink and hide,
the only one too great
was staying alive.
I first learned from you
that life is for living,
and if you can't give it all
then there's no point in giving.
You showed me another
set of rules for the game,
and that some were content
with a life that was tame.
A new set of values
no concept of sin,
a way to see further
by looking within.
To question the answers
by which we were all taught,
and shake the foundations
of the temples of thought.
Few people could live with
the style you possessed,
Inspirational Cool
was your absolute best.
You forced me to dig for
the best version of me,
your smile and your laughter
would set my heart free.
There was but one ending
for this path you were on,
slowly I realized that it
wouldn't be long.
For a day to arrive
when my eyes had to see,
the trail you were blazing
was for you and not me.
On the day of our parting
the stone had been set,
you thought I'd betrayed you
my greatest regret.
Exiled, I went
to the end of the Earth,
I could see the Sun setting
on all of your hurt.
You taught me that living
had a cost we must pay,
and the pain of a loving heart
can cut both ways.
The day that I heard
you had died, I did grieve,
you were so good at living
tell me, why did you leave?

Your's was a gift
that nobody wanted,
the sacrifice that you made
left your loved ones haunted.
They would have been pleased
with the love that you gave,
but you couldn't stop giving
and then couldn't be saved.
You opened your heart
but kept nothing for you,
when your soul needed shelter
your defenses were few.
Love one another
as a child we learn,
and for it, praise
we rightfully earn.
But we aren't always taught
that the love we deserve,
starts with our self
before outwards, it turns.
A soul has nothing
if love doesn't exist,
and a heart needs protection
to return this bliss.
But the heart must be centered
with the love of oneself
to give love and be loved
and feel love, or else,
you'll end up making
an empty sacrifice
of the ultimate gift,
an unfinished life.