Weeds and Roses

The other day, I called the florist to deliver some flowers. The roses, lilies, chrysanthemums arrived soon, packed in tissues and ribbons. I sat with my vases , water and scissors and got down to arranging them.
Hidden among the pretty blooms, the florist had sent some weeds. Bushy green stems with nondescript tiny white flowers. Maybe he wanted to add volume, maybe he felt they would complement the roses...I don't know what he thought, but the weeds just sat there on my bench, messing up the beautiful array of flowers.
Overcome with distaste, I picked up the lot and stuffed them down the bin. The ungainly white flowers looked up sadly as I closed the lid of the dustbin on them.

Later in the day, I was filled with remorse, those weeds were flowers too. Maybe not as pretty as the roses or lilies, but nevertheless, beautiful in their own way. I rushed to check if I could salvage them from the bin...But they had wilted by then. I was sad for a long time.

As a teacher, I know that not every child is at par. Some are the roses and lilies of the class, shining bright, doing well in all fields. But some are the weeds, not so good at anything, but lovely kids nevertheless. How hasty we are at times to shun them and relegate them to the background. By the time we realise our mistake, their self worth has wilted.

Spare a thought for the average and the mediocre. Most of us would be roses in the field of our choice but merely a weedy flower in all other walks of life.....