It is an intensely simple, intensely
floral, flower. All silk and flame, a
scarlet cup…like a burning coal fallen from Heaven’s altars.
FROM PROPERPINA by John Ruskin
During
the last week of May, the poppies at Merry Mount burst forth with their
radiance. They are a beautiful symbol of
Memorial Day and the beginning of summer.
In
her book, A Victorian Flower Dictionary,
Mandy Kirkby writes about the poppy:
When in bud, the poppy holds on tightly
to its emerging flower; until suddenly, almost in the blink of an eye, the two
imprisoning sepals are shaken to the ground and its floral glory is
revealed…Yet its flowers remain open for just a few days and all is
finished. So much for just a moment of
splendor, but what luxury and infinite pleasure on the way!
 |
| from the Portmeirion collection |
 |
| Poppies at Merry Mount |
Rett
and I love poppies, and now, even though our poppy plant blooms only a few days a
year, we can enjoy a painting year round by East Tennessee artist, Robert Tino,
given to us as a retirement gift by my cousin Sharon and her partner Audrey.
Be well.
CPW
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