busy"Petaled Letters"
For Fiorenza and Giacinto this --
To steal a moment, or a secret kiss --
Is challenge plenty to the love they bear,
Divided by their duties, here and there.
They live in different villages for now
But still they send love notes, and this is how:
In flowers dried in presses, then laid out
On paper like a letter, like a shout.
The girasoli celebrate success;
A cousin's birth is joy enough to bless.
Although sunflowers make Giacinto sneeze,
He's still a very easy man to please.
A rosy orchid speaks of growing fond
And ivy spins a long and loving bond.
Attachment is behind the jasmine vine,
As sensual as lovers as they twine.
Though distant now, they share each others' lives
With missives as they envy men and wives:
As Fiorenza and Giacinto know,
These petaled letters tell more than they show.
Peonia she gives, discretion's dance,
But also hinting she would have romance.
The roses that he sends have slowly blushed
From white to pink to red, but never rushed.
Their hearts have grown together, his and hers
Though outward duty-bound, they're voyagers
In spirit, through the countryside, by night
Like flower petals on the wind take flight.
* * *
Notes:
Plant symbolism dates back many years, including in Italy. Here are some Italian flowers and flowers to avoid for allergy sufferers. Girasoli are sunflowers and peonia are peonies.
