A flower needs to be this size
to conceal the winter window,
and this color, the red
of a Fiat with the top down,
to impress us, dull as we’ve grown.
Months ago the gigantic onion of a bulb
half above the soil
stuck out its green tongue
and slowly, day by day,
the flower itself entered our world,
closed, like hands that captured a moth,
then open, as eyes open,
and the amaryllis, seeing us,
was somehow undiscouraged.
It stands before us now
as we eat our soup;
you pour a little of your drinking water
into its saucer, and a few crumbs
of fragrant earth fall
onto the tabletop. – Connie Wanek
Dear Penny, thank you for sharing this poem which brings back to mind all the amaryllis bulbs that have been given me for Christmas over the years. So much beauty. Each morning, I’d come into the living room and be surprised, once again, by the density of color. Peace.
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You are most welcome, Dee. The colors of an amaryllis are, indeed, intense, and the seem to grow before one’s eyes. They are wonderful Christmas gifts for they keep on giving joy for such a long time. Thank you, Dee. Peace.
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What a wonderful poem, Penny. I don’t think I’ve ever read anything that better captures the delight of watching an amaryllis bulb go from “onion-like” to blazing red beauty. I would imagine it indeed spreads its cheer own the coldest of days. Really lovely, my friend.
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I agree, Debra. The moment I read it (quite by accident) I knew I had to share it with all of you. I loved “the red of a Fiat with the top down”. 🙂 Thank you, Dee.
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The perfect poem to match your beautiful photos of your Amaryllis! This brightened my morning, thank you. 🙂
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I am delighted to hear that it did, Janet. I came across this poem looking for something else. I love when that happens.
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Oh that is so lovely!!! I just love your blog, Penny! 😀 You always bring beauty into the blogosphere.
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Thank you, L. Marie. Your very kind words are appreciated and such a sweet way to start my day. This poem just had to be shared.
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Lovely! I have an Amaryllis just like that one in your picture. Fancy having a poem to go with it. Thank you, it gave me great pleasure.
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I am so happy that this poem gave you pleasure, Juliet. I appeared while I was looking for something else and needed to be shared. I hope all is well with you.
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I so enjoy poetry that celebrates the joy of “ordinary days”. This is lovely.
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Thank you, Sallie. I do as well. 🙂
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Beautiful poem. And a gorgeous flower. Thank you for sharing!
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My apologies for taking so long to respond. You are very welcome. Thanks for commenting.
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Aw, I love an amaryllis and I love this poem. Thanks for posting it!
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You are most welcome. I love the poem and just had to share it.
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