Stop and Smell the Roses

by George F. Horne

June 12, 1994

"Stop and smell the roses."
I've heard that all my life.
I heard it from my mom, from friends
And from my darling wife.

"Stop and smell the roses."
It means slow down a might
To give you time to look about,
Enjoying every sight.

"Stop and smell the roses"
There is beauty everywhere-
But take the time to find someone
With whom a rose to share.

"Stop and smell the roses."
That is good advice to heed;
But take it one more step beyond,
And help someone in need.

Pick them, remove the thorns,
And wrap the stems with care;
Then take them to someone whose life
Has no rose growing there.

@ 2001 Copyright George F. Horne. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.