Paved With Petals

In June I went whitewater rafting with family and friends. In the most dangerous part of the river, the raft I was on flipped over. It was quite scary to be under the water in a place where I knew people have died before, and not know if any of us on the raft would reach the surface again. Thanks be to God, we all survived, but I realized how much I've taken people for granted. Every person on the raft has had an impact on my life, and life would not be the same if someone had drowned. Since then, I've determined that I am going to appreciate people more, and be more thankful for them.
This poem is about taking people for granted, and the decision to do so no longer:

Paved With Petals

When you had paved the path with petals
I’m certain I was very glad!
But time eroded gratitude,
’Til I was dull to all I had—

In time I wrongfully assumed
That roses cover every road;
It wasn’t ’til I traveled far
I saw the beauty you bestowed—

And now I’m coming home again,
To lovely paths with petals paved;
I crown each piece with smiles of joy,
And thank you for the gifts you gave.

(c) 2005 Benjamin Graber