Another entry in our poetry contest...
Violet Verse
A posy of violets – a fistful of love...
But much more than that, it’s a gift from above.
Remember Napoleon, in exile on Elba?
The code was “Like violets?” - be sure to remember!
When violets would flower, he would return;
“Eh bien!” was a phrase for loyalists to learn.
Daughter of Argos, the Greek Violet was Io
Zeus made her a heifer, you know...
And then, to compound his inglorious feat
Invented the violet, for her to eat.
A Grecian symbol of fertility and emotions
It was used in concoctions and potions...
A head-garland would ward off dizzy spells
This, and more, Pliny the Elder tells.
Respiratory ailments, a sneeze and a cough;
Syrup of violets will sluice them off.
The flowers are edible, the tea is a sedative;
Crushed blooms, a fragrant, bath-water additive.
The sweet scent of violets, so subtle and pure
The whole plant is useful for well-being and cure
Purple, lilac, rose or white,
Violets are a sensuous delight;
Cleistogamous but full of honey;
Conventional medicine gets a run for its money.
Tea for headache, fever, digestion;
Blooms jellied or candied, that is the question.
Decoction as laxative, or to soothe arthritis
As gargle or mouth-wash for gingivitis.
Crushed leaves reduce swelling and soothe irritations;
Worth their weight in gold, are violet plantataions.
Heart-shaped leaves, downy and pretty...
And that’s the end of this little ditty!
Tanja Cilia -
Malta Europe
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