By Lorraine Walker Williams
Member-at-large
Packed by type and color, flowers were boxed
and crushed together with red berry that
sucked all available moisture on the long,
bumpy ride to the cavernous warehouse
filled with unfamiliar scents. It was enough to
loosen petals or give them a headache.
Gloved hands wrapped rubber bands around
already bruised stems and tied them to the
berries and ditzy yellow buds that claimed
to be lost. Chaos and confusion reigned
until they arrived at the store and were
placed on a shelf under a sign, Mixed Bouquet.
The indignity of that label was almost
too much to bear. They were ready to droop
buds in submission to their fate.
Two days went by with lots of looks, but no takers.
At the store marked-down bouquets suffer
the stigma of Clearance, blush red with
embarrassment at not being beautiful enough
to be chosen, languish in water stained brown.
The following morning, they felt a hand lift them,
carry them wrapped in cellophane.
They were free to leave the store!
Taken home stems were trimmed, and
were given a white powdery drink
to renew their strength.
That evening they stood tall in a makeshift
vase that once held cranberry juice, almost
smiling at their reflection on the glass
table, hearing a voice whisper,
You are beautiful.
This poem reminds me not to miss out on the discovery of beauty–and to take it home with me whenever possible!
Claire Massey
Lorraine,
It was joyous to share this poem with you. How insightful and inspiring your words are.
You have told a story full of humility, imbued with humanity which sadly is wilting; you have done so without preaching or judgement. The woman you are shines through with every line, every metaphor, and color.
Kudos on your well deserved honor.
Thank you for your insightful and lovely comments, Andi!
Another delightful and thoughtful piece, Lorraine! Giving the flowers a voice is a nice twist, and such a satisfying ending. I was touched.
Karen,
I am so grateful for your comments,
Original and enjoyable to read aloud. Lyrical and thought-inspiring.
Thank you for your kind comments. Poems come alive when given voice.
Loved your poem….very creative!
Thank you so much!
lovely & symbolic poem–refreshing
Thank you for your kind words!
What a beautiful rendering! I had my own floral special events business for 50 years. Paulinesbouquets.com.
Thank you for transferring the arduous process into a fairy tale. Are you a florist?
Thank you for your insightful and lovely comments.
I am not a florist…
Thank you for responding to my poem.
I am not a florist, but I write about what inspires me. Nature often does.
Awww, when I read your poem, I thought of forgotten people, immigrants, and jobless workers, etc… being shuffled about in this cavernous universe. When somebody reaches out to a person in need, it’s like saying “You are beautiful and have a purpose in this world!” Thank you for sharing your poem.
Thank you for expanding the meaning of my poem! Poetry is inclusive!
Totally awesome feeling. Nature revived, to enjoy and appreciate.
I too see this so often, flowers feel abused by the process from garden to store. Thanks for your beautiful poem
Thank you, Polly for your kind words.
A lovely thought on a dreary day. Thankyou.
Thank you for reading and hopefully brightening your day.