Howard, Melissa . April Joy Lily . original photography
Lily

No man can truly force his bloom inside
a sheltered womb or fool the virgin's creed
with false remorse. She's wise to wait, to hide

her perfumed lips, the lily's spathe, the need
to break the husk. A patient flower grows
the sower's seed affluently. No greed

stands tall or bends. It hoards and stows
the innocence. The musk of haughty men
offends humility. A pure wind blows,

meanders through a field where no one's been
and learns that lilies love when there is peace.
They know to stay below the ground till then,

await the sun's hot tiger breath to cease.
The calla reaps the gift of calm release.

©2000 Peggy Putnam Owen





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