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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

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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

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...

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............

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

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.

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

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.

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...

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.