L Milton Hankins | + Follow Poet |
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Bearded Irises

Bearded irises sway gently in my neighbor’s backyard
A rainbow of colors—pink, red, rust, magenta and yellow
Their large flags flutter in the soothing breezes laughing
Like younger children playing games in the schoolyard
They stand tall and proud on their slender stalks—
Commanding the attention of everyone who passes by
The prettiest flowers I have seen since the tulips faded,
Melting away in the early spring’s unexpected snowfall.

SIXTH PLACE WINNER
May 10, 2021
for "The Most Beautiful Flowers" Poetry Contest
sponsored by M. L. Kiser

Copyright © L Milton Hankins | Year Posted 2021

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Sara Kendrick Date: 6/2/2021 6:26:00 AM Yes, the Iris is a beauty and comes in so many varieties. Don't plant a white one though for all the colors will disappear and only white ones show up. Creative way to go with this winner. Congrats. Sara Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 6/2/2021 8:31:00 AM Thank you, Sara, and thanks so much for the tip.

Robert Lindley Date: 5/29/2021 5:18:00 PM Congratulations on your win. Irises are truly a beautiful flower, My mother simply loved them.. God bless... Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 5/29/2021 5:51:00 PM Thank you so much, Robert. So did my mother!

Paula Goldsmith Date: 5/28/2021 2:58:00 PM Congratulations on your win. I love this write and the beautiful Irises. Have a blessed day/weekend............ Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 5/28/2021 4:09:00 PM Thank you so much, Paula.

Maurice Rigoler Date: 5/13/2021 5:27:00 PM Hello Milton! Irises make me think of van Gogh's famous painting of his purple ones. My favorite are the pure white, and they'll be blooming soon in the local park. My only complaint is that they stink! I also love Georgia O'Keeffe's version of them. / Maurice Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 5/13/2021 6:04:00 PM So true. I don't know that any of the irises are known for their wonderful scent. LOL. They were favored by my mother, so of course, I'm partial to them. Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Maurice.

Jenna Logan Date: 5/11/2021 10:16:00 AM Irises are among my favorites, Milt. Peonies and gladiola, but wild flowers have a beauty that no others can match. I enjoyed your write. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 5/11/2021 10:28:00 AM Thank you so much, Jenna. I appreciated your read and your comments.

Regina Mcintosh Date: 5/10/2021 4:56:00 PM Love this. I love all flowers so had trouble choosing only one. Love this. God bless you, Love, Gina Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 5/10/2021 5:01:00 PM Just take a drive around the block, Gina, and whatever you see will be beautiful!

Andrea Dietrich Date: 5/10/2021 4:09:00 PM gosh I have no clue what flowers to write about. My roses are due to blossom any time now. So it will be back to roses for me!! This is gorgeous, Milt. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 5/10/2021 5:00:00 PM Thanks, Andrea. Irises are always a favorite for me. A wee too early for roses here.

Ilene Bauer Date: 5/10/2021 2:34:00 PM i googled this to see them, milton, and they are pretty amazing looking! i never knew that irises came in other colors than purple. your poem certainly does them justice... Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 5/10/2021 2:48:00 PM Thanks, Ilene. Yes, when they are cut and vased they are radiant, but they don't last long cut indoors. They are best outside.