FLORAL FLOURISHES
by Mary Isabel Maus Berman

A Twinkling ring of gems adorned her hand.
There was an alabaster gown to wear, 
And invitations sent throughout the land
To summon guests to in the nuptials share.

The house was polished to a farthingwell.
The caterers awaited a church bann.
The cake anticipated bows and bell
While music touched the heart of girl and man.

The one thing left was décor for the rite
Since floral sentiment was de rigeur.
And so the bride and maids took flight
To seek the plants that would the problem cure. 

The bride at first sought out the single rose of red
To tell her future husband of her love.
She then picked ivy garlands from a bed
To pledge her oath of faith to God above.

She next selected lilies pure and white
And found a four-leaf clover by her feet
So as to ask him to be hers that night. 
Angelica and marigolds complete.

A mix of pansies and forget-me-nots
Bespoke the bonds of friendship with her maids
While violets of blue told tales of tots
Whose childhood closeness never fades.

At last she gathered petals for the lass
Who would preceded her down the aisle that day.
These floral tokens scattered at the Mass
Forecast a horn of plenty May to May. 

And for the feast to follow, tulips wine 
Adorned the doors and tables for the ball
And led the public there to dine
To feel love manifest throughout the hall. 
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