An Introduction to My Anthology

Such a book must contain— it always does!—a disclaimer. I make no such. For here I have collected all the best— the lily from the field among them, forget-me-nots and mint weed, a rose for whoever expected it, and a buttercup for the children to make their noses yellow. Here is clover for the lucky to roll in, and milkweed to clatter, a daisy for one judgment, and a violet for when he loves you or if he loves you not and why not. Those who sniff and say no, These are the wrong ones (and there always are such people!)— let them go elsewhere, and quickly! For you and I, who have made it this far, are made happy by occasions requiring orchids, or queenly arrangements and even a bird-of-paradise, but happier still by the flowers of circumstance, cattails of our youth, field grass and bulrush. I have included the devil’s paintbrush but only as a peacock among barn fowl.