Credit Photo by David Clode
Flame Lily – Gloriosa Superba
Tubers in soil, soon to rebirth
symbolic of leaving the dry season behind
setting its home up in the African earth
the flame lily with all its beauty climbs
High tendrils on leaf tips
flowers like flaming cats’ claws bloom
petals crisped along the margins
curling back and for insects, plenty of room
A thing of beauty, one of the best
but beware with its beauty comes fire
if eaten, can be lethal, a dangerous test
so stand back, take it in and admire
African heat highlights the fragrance of the flower
acidic African soil hosts this flame
its beauty holds our gaze by the hour
Gloriosa flame lily, petals of fire, if beauty was madness,
then you are insane
Smell the rain, see the flame
the potato bush blooms it’s majestic blue again
see the yellow, orange and the fiery reds
underfoot lie the tubers, so be careful where you tread.
Written By Mandy Dineley – My Beautiful Pen
