Birthday Flowers
(For Sybil at 90)

These flowers are for you — for always
as if to say something to you alone:
these larkspurs with their bluish-purple light
that recalls the beauty of summer days
like the Fire Island days you loved so much;
and some Alstroemeria — what a gorgeous name!
these "lilies" from Peru whose little blossoms
of dawn red and pure sun will last and last;
and these true lilies (I know you love them)
the yellow ones of course because they sing
like Miles live with his golden horn again;
and in the middle a fragrant Lycaste orchid,
the orchid of the month of your dear birth
especially for you — for always.

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