Friday, May 4, 2012

Poem: Lily of the Valley


 
Photo by Rita Bourland © 2012

Lily of the Valley

Legends speak of tiny blooms,
sprung from Eve’s sad weeping,
or Mary’s tears on bended knee
beneath the cross on Calvary,
or from the blood of knighted men
on battlefields of valor, 

from sorrow came the flower,

winking in the gentle wind,
its lush perfume aloft,
who’s the fairest of them all?
‘tis thee thy dainty one,

each bell a fragile vessel,
a tiny fairy cup,
suggesting sips of nectar sweet,
 to lips so raw from winter,

 a balm and rare elixir,

but taste ye not its tender bloom,
a poison it will offer,
enjoy the scent, the visual feast,
but taste ye not the flower,

lest sorrow come the morrow.



2 comments:

  1. So interesting about the legends and it makes a beautiful poem. Thank you. In France, however, lilies of the valley are considered to signify happiness. They are sold every May 1 on the streets of Paris. I learned this about 10 years ago when I bought in Paris eux de toilette with the fragrance of lilies of the valley. I use it just about every day and tell myself I'm having a dose of happiness when I do it. I wore lilies of the valley in my hair on my wedding day. Libby

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  2. I have heard of many young brides choosing lilies of the valley for their wedding days. Princess Kate used them last year when she wed Prince William. They clearly signify many things besides what I have shared in this poem. However, there is often happiness that follows sorrow. The fact that the legend speaks of flowers coming from tears is quite magical and joyous. I remember the lilies in your hair. You were a beautiful bride. xoxo

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