The Goldenrod 



George H. Russell 



Winthrop, X. Y. 



Goldenrod is one of the most 

 common and perhaps in the rural 

 districts the most unappreciated 

 flowers of our country. Because 

 we have seen it all our lives, little 

 have we realized the beauty and 

 value which this flower possesses 

 and is offering to us everyday of 

 its blooming. 



It nods and becks to us with 

 a happy good morning, for it is 

 always up in the morning before 

 we are, no matter how we may 

 try to be the "earlier bird." For 

 it wants to shine and glitter in 

 the sunlight all it possibly can, as 

 in this way it reveals its glowing 

 beauty. So in at least this one 

 respect, we may look at it as 

 human for we, all of us, though we may never admit it, endeavor to 

 avail ourselves of every opportunity to manifest our goodness to 

 our friends. We are not always as fortunate as this flower though, 

 for its beauty lies very near the surface, and under the sun's rays, 

 beams forth radiantly. 



I would aim to persuade my friends to recognize this pretty 

 flower and give it the attention and credit long due. For its eager 

 efforts to attract us are often, yes usually, in vain. Many of us 

 will arise on a beautiful sunshiny -morning with a very apparent 

 ill-feeling toward even-thing. A grouch is the common name for 

 this unhappy and unnecessary state. We will not notice nature's 

 beauty when we go out doors and so look with disdain upon our 

 true friends the goldenrods, who are welcoming us. However, they 

 are never discouraged or made angry, and the next morning the 

 same flower will nod to us and act just as friendly as if nothing 

 had happened. Unfortunately the eyes of many are closed to these 



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