Thinking of Flowers

In October 2021

It is autumn and I read Longfellow’s words in his poem Flowers:

Not alone in spring’s armorial bearing,

And in summer’s green-emblazoned field,

But in arms of brave old autumn’s wearing,

In the center of his blazen shield

Yes, flowers are not just for spring or summer. In autumn, sunflowers beckon to the blue jays with their full heads of seed. And yesterday, outside the doctor’s window, where I sat with my grandson (no covid, but bronchitis), a hummingbird landed on delicate pink blossoms of a flowering bush that swayed in the wind.  And on my neighborhood walks, I see reds and golds still displaying their colors, amid pumpkins and Halloween yard decorations.

I remember a single red rose that bloomed in my yard on the day my father died more than forty years ago. I picked that rose and placed it by his coffin on the day of his memorial service; and the church choir came out and sang “Jesus Will be What Makes it Heaven for Me”, a song he’d been teaching them.

 

When I think of flowers, I also think of the words of Peter, Paul, and Mary:

Where have all the flowers gone

Long time passing

Where have all the flowers gone

Long time ago

The song goes on to ask “where have all the soldiers gone,” and answers “ gone to graveyards every one”.  The young girls had picked the flowers for their beloved soldiers. “When will they ever learn?” the refrain asks again and again. These words bring to mind Harvey, my true love when I was seventeen. He was a young soldier in Vietnam and he had gone to the graveyard.

That was decades ago. I have loved again and lost again and now love again. But how many girls still pick flowers for the graves of their boyfriends and husbands? I know a young couple, just starting life together as a military couple. I hope it doesn’t happen that way for them.

So flowers are beauty and joy. And flowers are sadness. Flowers are memories. Flowers are spring and summer. And flowers are autumn too.

 

Reviews

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I remember the song well; the cycle of life and death, beauty and war. I just got a book of Longfellow's poetry for Christmas and another by Robert Browning. Spent my Christmas Day with a Vietnam veteran having a wonderful meal and some great fellowship. It was a senseless war, but then, aren't they all? If individuals could only see the fellowship of souls in humanity and view one another; each on an individual basis, there would certainly be more compassion and empathy in the world. Individuals make friends but governments make wars. And the price is paid in individual human lives. "When will they ever learn?" Wonderful write and I enjoyed every word. Merry Christmas.

[Morgan Hewitt]

This really spoke to me. It almost made me tear up a bit thinking about the meaning behind your words.

[Shelley Warner]

Wow, Morgan, that is such a compliment.

[barleygirl]

Intriguing spill of nostalgic ideas, which is like suggesting autumn brings on some melancholy, as it does for many. Here in central Cali, where it's still temperate, I have a big show of chrysanthemums, marigolds, & geraniums, covering shades of red, orange, & gold. Thanks for sharing (((HUGS)))

[Shelley Warner]

Thank you for reading Barleygirl. I do love autumn but yes, the flowers brought a little melancholy. We lived in San Diego in the 90's for a few years and I remember the flowers. My favorite was the Bougainvillea. But I am a Pacific NW person at heart.

[Samuel Dickens]

The part about the single red rose is especially touching, but the whole thing stirs vivid feelings and images within me. I was a huge Peter, Paul, and Mary fan as a teen, and still am. Just learning the guitar back then, there's was the music I most wanted to play.
The images of autumn you describe seem to have been seen through my own eyes. Summers are colorful--yes--but the warmer hues of fall are most pleasing.

[Shelley Warner]

I enjoyed reading your review, especially the part about the red rose. I forgot to mention that it was in autumn too, on October 11. He died suddenly and unexpectedly of a heart attack at age 48. I have totally outlived his life span.

[Samuel Dickens]

Mother was 48 when a heart attack took her, too. I was on an aircraft carrier if the Vietnam war zone when it happened, Feb. 13, 1973. They flew me off the ship and I traveled half way around the world to attend her funeral. I wrote a story about it.

[Shelley Warner]

What a traumatic event. Is your story posted? What is the title?

[Samuel Dickens]

Yes, it is. I call it "Mother". https://www.writerscafe.org/writing/pumper/724944/

[Chris Shaw]

Such a lovely write dear Shelley. Flowers mean a great deal to many people. I really enjoyed the thoughts you shared here, even though some are poignant. I have flowers in my garden all year round. My favourite time though, has to be spring. That is the season of rebirth after the days of little natural light. I just love it when those bulbs appear in their bright colours. I have pressed special flowers and have some in my bible to remind me of important family occasions. I have a pressed flower from each of my grandchildren. They are precious.

Chris

[Shelley Warner]

Those are special memories. Thanks for sharing them with me.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Shelley for such an inspiring write.