by IRENE FOWLER, Contributor

“A flower’s appeal is in its contradictions –
so delicate in form yet strong in fragrance,
so small in size yet big in beauty,
so short in life yet long on effect.”
– Terri Guillemets

“Flowers always make people better, happier
and more helpful; they are sunshine, food
and medicine for the soul.”
– Luther Burbank

“Every flower must grow through dirt.”
– Laurie Jean Sennott

To read Irene’s new poem “A Floral Universe Award” click:

A Floral Universe Award

by Irene Fowler

Queenly, spectacular, coquettish, demure or pedestrian
At festive, celebratory and nondescript events
Forever appearing elated, emotive, composed and peaceful
Ostentatious, stunning, seductive, saintly or plain
Polyglots par excellence, well-versed in every language under the sun
Natural storytellers or simply, just silent listeners
Model teachers and symbols of life’s valuable practical, yet esoteric lessons
Helpers, healers, harbingers of hope
Muses of writers, poets, romantics, artists and sages
Faithful cradle-to-grave companions
Servants to emperors and paupers alike
Confidantes of the misplaced and misunderstood
Friends of the friendless, forgotten and forlorn
Diffusers of delicate, alluring, intoxicating aromas
Freely, richly, perfuming and scenting
Places and spaces, from palaces to prisons
For all times and climes, in and out of season
As bright and constant as the North Star
Kith and kin to mankind bar none
Brilliantly, passionately, and greatly coloured; yet colour blind
Tokens of unrivalled, unspoilt beauty
A glimpse of untainted, unfettered paradise
Never lofty, envious, cruel, angry or polarising
At peace and in harmony with all life forms
Trusty messengers of sacred, benevolent deities
Bearers of life, light, laughter, and love
Silky, satiny, velvety; visitations of the supreme God
With profound respect, gratitude, and love
Herein, is my Award to you
The Floral Universe.

© 2023 by Irene Fowler