There are no gardenias –
perhaps they only existed
in my imaginary garden…
I’ll sip and sigh,
with my yellow chrysanthemum tea
bringing you to mind.
Where’s my frangipani?
My sweet summer’s soul
just a deep red carnation.
All the daisies tell all the stories
so very well.
Will you think of it?
I will think of it
as the scarlet geranium
let the scars deepen.
Written for GloPoWriMo 2026 Day 19:
Pick a flower or two from this online edition of Kate Greenaway’s Language of Flowers and write your own poem in which you muse on your selections’ names and meanings.
Chrysanthemum, Yellow – Slighted love.
Carnation, Deep Red – Alas! for my poor heart.
Daisy – Innocence.
Daisy, Garden – I share your sentiments
Daisy, Michaelmas – Farewell.
Daisy, Party-coloured – Beauty.
Daisy, Wild – I will think of it.
Geranium, Scarlet – Contorting. Stupidity.
Spindle Tree – Your charms are engraved on my heart.
Today’s Daily Stoic poem:
