In the dooryard fronting an old farm-house near the white-washed palings,
Stands the lilac-bush tall-growing with heart-shaped leaves of rich green,
with many a pointed blossom rising delicate, with the perfume strong I love,
With every leaf a miracle - and from this bush in the dooryard,
With delicate-color'd blossoms and heart-shaped leaves of rich green,
A sprig with its flower I break.
- Walt Whitman
'Tis my faith that every flower enjoys the air it breathes!
- William Wordsworth
From a thorn comes a rose, and from a rose comes a thorn.
- Greek Proverb
Let us open our leaves like a flower, and be passive and receptive.
- John Keats