A vase with single white lily prepared
or long cultured rose, sharp thorns on its spine,
this, has conventional wisdom declared,
does a fair lady consider divine.
It is further presumed that fine diamonds
or exotic and rare objects of art
when with smile imparted earns dividends
of most expedient ways to her heart.
What use be jewels set in locket of gold,
hothouse flowers’ cold flawless perfection?
Art which begs distance for eye to behold
engenders not mutual affection.
These conventions need for me be restyled:
I prefer flowers which grow in the wild.
(for the Wordweaver, the Wanderer and Lonesome Traveller)
