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First The Storm-Then the Rainbow

by Naomi R. Butler Arthur

there can be no triumph
‘cept first we’ve know the fight.
if not first we’ve know the conflict
how could we find the strength
to face a brand new day?
can we ever know true happiness
if first we’ve known no pain?
oh yes, all we must bear a burden
before the crown we wear.

how much we love the splendor
of the magnificent butterfly
but, stop and think, please do.
from whence its glory came
it fought and clashed and strained
to release itself form jail.
and, twere you to give a hand
to spare it from its pain.
you’d surely cause it’s untimely demise
and there would the story end.

the tale is told of the oyster
a delicate delicacy.
all seek the prize within it’s husk.
which would not be ‘cept first
a tiny grain of sand
found its way within
and caused distress and anguish
discomfort and disease.
til through the toil and effort
to relieve itself from pain
spun a small uncommon gem-
the pearl preferred by all.

so. do not fear to endure the storm.
the struggle and the rain.
remember there’s a prize awaits you.
‘twill give you great repose
with each cloud a silver lining
and before their rainbow.
there first must be a storm.