When do you stop to smell the roses?

Taken in a beautiful garden I love to visit  

 When the world stopped to smell the roses

I noticed ma and pa blackbird building for the future,

I marvelled at the iridescence of the beautiful blue blooms in my garden,

I noted the daffodils tall and defiant especially after the storm,

I spotted the spider weave his silvery web with creative flair,

I observed the cherry blossom buds on the maturing tree,

I appreciated the morning birdsong more than before,

I watched Red Kites soar in the morning sun,

I sensed the shopkeeper’s mood was really fear in disguise,

I acknowledged the disconnection with his ‘regulars’,

I saluted nurses, doctors and frontline NHS staff for selfless service,

I praised key personnel for all they do especially today,

I laughed at the creative family videos shared to entertain,

I struggled with learning new online communication systems,

I shared fun and laughter to reduce the angst,

I learned that ‘unknowing’ was the scariest fear of all,

I touched the hand that needed to be held,

I spoke the words hidden behind the eyes of concern,

I reassured in the only way I knew how,

I offered hope, with care and love

I prayed for healing and good health of our world,

I wondered when all this unease happened

When I was busy being busy?

When I was to-ing and fro-ing?

When I was caught up in trivialities

When I was living life too quickly?

When the world stopped to smell the roses,

I learned who and what was really important.