Back and forth, back and forth,
Good news, bad news, who’s to say?
Back and forth, back and forth
goes the daisy on a sunny day.
See how the daisy dances? she said,
as she placed it on the sill
and then, over tea, shared the news.
I knew that she’d been ill.

I drew a smiley face and glued it
in the blossom’s center.
If the daisy danced, I told myself,
she’d make it through the winter.
Each sunny morning, I was greeted
by that happy dancing face.
It became a kind of talisman,
a daily gift of grace.

But one bright day I was dismayed
when the sudden sad news came
to see the flower go back and forth
as if things were the same.
Her family bravely assured us
she’s in a better place today.
Good news, bad news, who’s to say?
The daisy dances on a sunny day.

Elaine Parker Akin