Red Geraniums and the Passing of Senator McCain

Red Geraniums

Life did not bring me silken gowns

Nor jewels for my hair,

Nor signs of gabled foreign towns

In distant countries fair,

But I can glimpse, beyond my pane, a green and friendly hill,

And red geraniums aflame upon my window sill.

The brambled cares of everyday,

The tiny humdrum things,

May bind my feet when they would stray,

But still my heart has wings

While red geraniums are bloomed against my window glass,

And low above my green-sweet hill the gypsy wind-clouds pass.

And if my dreamings ne’er come true,

The brightest and the best,

But leave me lone my journey through,

I’ll set my heart at rest,

And thank God for home-sweet things, a green and friendly hill,

And red geraniums aflame upon my window sill.

Martha Haskell Clark (1885-1922)

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I received this poem from a friend in Arizona right after I had watched the memorial service for Senator John McCain. Jane Stowell further states:

"There aren't any green hills here (in Arizona) but I can have geraniums. I feel like when we pass from this life, we will get a world tour to see the earthly beauties God created. It really wouldn't be fair to let only those with means of travel see it all. So, I will be content with what I have and bring in geraniums."

What lovely thoughts on such a sad day when a true patriot and statesman is being remembered! His memorial service was befitting a man of greatness. Fame came to him, not because of any acquisition of worldly goods, not because of any scandals, but because he put his country and the good of others first. He was in service to his fellow man. The tribute was a very moving one. As a man who loved Nature, especially hummingbirds and animals, I wonder if John McCain had any geraniums on his windowsill. Rest in peace, Senator McCain! You are an inspiration to us all!