Poems like this helped me understand the value of life's difficult times.

ALPINE FLOWERS

Like tiny miracles they deck the scree,
Huddling in clumps for warmth on the bitter height,
Unwanted on the adamant rockface, but clinging tight
On crevice and shingle, insisting, permission to be!

Offspring of sun and rock and mountain wind;
Fluttering bravely, fragile, on slender stems;
Yellow and white and pink, like cushions of gems
Displayed to the sun, against the bare mountain pinned.

Here, where the sun strikes strongly, they flaunt their joy
In rays undimmed by the pure mountain air;
Revelling in all that energy; sweetness to spare
For hovering insects; pocket paradise to enjoy.

Each clump, an island of life on the sterile rock:
Cushions of warmth and sound, sweetness and colour.
The mist comes curling round. Its silver vapour
Chills, but cannot kill. Grey shadows block

The splendour. Hide your eyes! The petals close,
Shielding their tender heart till warmth returns.
Sheltered through snow or shadow, patience earns
New dancing freedom, bright, when new sunshine glows.

In their hostile world, savouring the strongest light;
Glutton for the glorious rays; life at the limit;
Lifted to the source of life: nothing to dim it;
On every splintered ledge – triumphant sight!