Ephemeral Poppies

Papaver Somniferum, Bumble Bee On Poppy

Though I love the myriad of beautiful flowers growing in our cottage garden, each year I look forward especially to the magical appearance of my beloved annual poppies. Because they are fleeting, time is of the essence. Because they are ephemeral, each moment they are in flower has to be savoured, for, all too soon, they are gone. Ephemeral, like time itself...for it, too, must never be taken for granted.

White Danebrog Poppy

Lord, I have time,

Papaver Paeoniflorum, Black Double-Flowered Peony Poppy

I have plenty of time,

Papaver Somniferum, Cherry Glow Red Poppy

All the time that you give me,

Papaver Somniferum, Lilac Cabbage Poppy, With Bumble Bee

The years of my life,

Papaver Somniferum, Deep Purple Opium Poppy

The days of my years,

Papaver Rhoeas, Angels Choir Poppy

The hours of my days.

Papaver Rhoeas, Double Corn Poppy

They are all mine.

Papaver Paeoniflorum, Pink Peony Poppy

Mine to fill, quietly, calmly,

Papaver Laciniata, Red Serrated Poppy



But to fill completely, up to the brim,
Papaver Somniferum, Red Opium Poppy

To offer them to you,

Papaver Rhoeas, Shirley Poppy

That of their insipid water

Papaver Rhoeas, Double Red Corn Poppy

You may make a rich wine

Papaver Somniferum, Red Poppy

Such as you made once

Papaver Somniferum, Pink Opium Poppies

In Cana of Galilee

Papaver Paeoniflorum, Purple Peony Poppy

I am not asking you today, Lord,

White Danebrog Poppy

For time to do this and that,

Papaver Paeoniflorum, Mixed Peony Poppy

But for your grace to do conscientiously,

Papaver Laciniata, Red Serrated Poppy

In the time that you give me,

Papaver Paeoniflorum, Mixed Peony Poppies

What you want me to do. Amen

Papaver Rhoeas, Mixed Shirley Poppies

Prayer by Michel Quoist

xxxxxxx

The first video is of my beloved annual poppies growing at Barleycorn this month.

The second video is of the summer meadow - a little paradise - growing at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh this month.