Precious flower borne of Florentine winds
One day did wash upon that chalky shore
And there found fertile ground to so begin
A ripened form to best all forms before;
In Albion clay this changeling did take root
To spread amongst lush gardens of the land,
A bloom whose iridescence could compete
With any floret blessed by mortal hand;
Sweet nurtured thus it grew in praised delight
To freshen quite each cultured drawing room,
In scented worth each fancy there took flight
And every heart assailed did faint and swoon;
This beauty bright once every lea adorned
Now rare in sight, fair essence but forsworn.

© Loubert S Suddaby. All Rights Reserved.