Sunday, May 25, 2014

"Flora Lingua (An Acrostic)" by Rev. Joseph C. Booth (1914)

Flora Lingua.

(An Acrostic.)

BY (REV.) JOSEPH C. BOOTH.

The flowers speak a language unto man;

Hark! Lady's-Slipper, "win me, wear me," says:

Esteem has Garden-Sage in Flora's plan.


Love is set forth by Myrtle and the Rose,

And lamentation by the Aspen tree;

Narcissus egotism doth propose;

Germanda Speedwell shows facility.

Use Yew for sorrow and for gladness Myrrh;

Acknowledgement, the Canterbury-bell;

Give prudence Mountain Ash and rudeness Burr:

Enchanter's Nightshade doth of witchcraft tell.


Ox-eye means patience; Nettle tree, conceit;

Forget-me-not, forget-me-not, how sweet!


French honeysuckle rustic beauty shows;

Linden or Lime tree is conjugal love;

Oats still the witching soul of music knows,

While Weeping-willow mourning doth approve.

Enwind, for happy love, the Bridal-rose;

Rosemary for remembrance; Snowdrop, hope;

Send, send sweet flowers to your friends and foes.

        Melrose, N.Y.

Troy Times. April 17, 1914: 19 col 1.

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