The lotus blooms in beauty
in spite of the murky water in which it grows.
"Be like the lotus,"
mothers tell their children.
"Bloom in spite of the darkness,
and the world will regard you better for it."
 
The murky water in which it grows,
helps the lotus bloom in beauty in spite of itself.
Mothers, won't you tell your children:
"Be like the pond. Even in your darkness,
find the strength to help others bloom
and the world will be better regarded for it."