The Wild Sunflower

At early dawn, like soldiers in their places,

Rank upon rank the golden sunflowers stand;

Gazing toward the east with eager faces,

Waiting, until their god shall touch the land

To life and glory, longingly they wait,

Those voiceless watchers at the morning's gate.

Dawn's portals tremble silently apart;

Far to the east, across the dewy plain,

A glory kindles that in every heart,

Finds answering warmth and kindles there again;

And rapture beams in every radiant face

Now softly glowing with supernal grace.

And all day long that silent worship lasts,

And as their god moves grandly down the west,

And every stem a lengthening shadow casts,

Toward the east, ah, they love him best,

And watch until every lingering ray is gone,

Then slowly turn to greet another dawn.

~By Albert Bigelow Paine~

Such beautiful sunshine-y happy flowers! I love that even though I forgot to plant any sunflower seeds this summer, they still came up all on their own. They are such a beautiful, happy and cheerful flower to have out in the garden. How could your spirits not be lifted seeing such a gorgeous yellow against such a vibrant blue summer sky!