“Don’t be a pansy”

People say to playfully

Shame each other for weakness. 

But pansies

And their viola sisters 

Survive snow, hail, and winter. 

They bud in the gales of March

And bloom in the cool rains of April. 

They thrive, 

Shrugging at the judgment 

Fools throw.

Be a pansy. 

Survive while your neighbors sleep.