An Irisarian’s Challenge to Winter

Irwin A. Conroe

Though wintry blasts may bully the birds

And cause the cattle to huddle in herds

They’ll blow away like idle words

When Spring comes back again.

Though ice and snow may cover the earth

And frosts may crackle and cackle in mirth

I’ll know again the iris’s worth

When Spring comes round again.

So let it blow and bluster and freeze

Whilst sifting snows white-spectre the trees

The iris hues again will please

When Spring is here again.

 

Reprinted from Empire State Iris Society Newsletter, v.6:no.4 (1959:Nov.)