Some flowers we extinguish
By crushing;
Others, we preserve
By pressing.
It all depends on how the weight is applied.
There are also
Rare flowers
Whom we preserve
By crushing.
We remember their names:
Marilyn
Billie
Virginia
Joan
Amy
Diana
Sylvia
Janis
Hypatia
Whitney
So many Ophelias:
A garden’s worth when living,
A book’s worth when dead.
But the garden
Would have been so much better.
This is such a unique response to our challenge ~~ beautifully penned. And true.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteThe garden is always better. Wonderful imagery. Love the closing.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteBrilliant response to the prompt, beautifully crafted. Most of all I love that list of names. Yes indeed, to every one included.
ReplyDeletePS In case you missed my somewhat belated response to your comment at our Valentine's Day post – welcome to Poets and Storytellers United! I do hope you'll continue to share your writing with us.
DeleteThank you!
DeleteA thoughtful tribute to crushed flowers, Graham. The garden would definitely been better.
ReplyDeleteplucked too soon, for sure. Wonderful poem.
ReplyDeleteUnique take on this prompt. Gardens are life.
ReplyDelete