Tulips

They are the decentest of living things.
They stand up straight and clean, just stem and cup:
there is no frippery, no dressing-up,
no life-force wasted on false fairy wings.

A stand of tulips, stirring in the breeze
and splashing colour in pale morning light
is heavenly. There is no fairer sight,
no better badge of honesty, than these.

That you should love them comes as no surprise.
You, equally, are strong and also gentle:
your beauty is direct and elemental:
I've seen the same truth blazon in your eyes.

Each spring I'll watch the tulip colours burning,
and long for you, and life, and love, returning.

Reviews

[Nico Reznick]

Great swerve at the end. Sweet and soulful.

[Arezzo]

I'm going to have to invent new ways to say "thank you". You'll soon find it tedious ... but I am very grateful. Someone with your sensibility likes my stuff -- it's wonderful!