The Petals That Are Unseen

A jasmine flower I planted, 

And beside it, a rose plant I grew

And I waited for both to blossom - 

Watching out for the first bloom. 

The jasmine's new leaves began to peek; 

But the rose stem remained, empty and dry - 

Oh, all that I did to get it to rise too - 

But nothing that worked - it was ever shy.

The jasmine plant grew taller, 

But the rose stem remained; with no new heed - 

I strived to get it to grow, spent all my time 

But it didn't; despite flashes of sunlight and water tides.  

The jasmine plant started budding, 

But the rose stem remained; how much more time? 

I dedicated my time to the introverted rose 

I just couldn't put that plant aside.

The jasmine flowers blossomed, with a beautiful scent 

But the rose stem remained, despite my attempts;

As I muttered about the stubborn plant, still I strived 

To get the stem to grow - wanting so badly for it to thrive.

Many days passed, and the rose stem never grew more 

But amidst the days, about the jasmin flower I had forgotten - 

And that beautiful flower, though I had gotten - 

Was gone forever, wilted and saddened.

When the jasmine had bloomed, I only longed for the rose

Gawking at not what was here - but what could've been there 

And forgetting the blessings I already had -

Focusing on what didn't grow; but not what bloomed.