POEM OF THE DAY: Lilies

by Don Marquis (1878 – 1937).

Lilies

Lilies, lilies, white lilies and yellow—
Lilies, lilies, purple lilies and golden—
Calla lilies, tiger lilies, lilies of the valley—
Lilies, lilies, lilies—                                                                           5
Bulb, bud and blossom—
What made them lilies?
If they were not lilies they would have to be something else,
 would they not?
What was it that made them lilies instead of making them                  10
 violets or roses or geraniums or petunias?
What was it that made you yourself and me myself?  What?
Alas! I do not know!                                                  

Notes:
http://www.focusdep.com/biographies/Don/Marquis
http://www.donmarquis.org/bio.htm
http://www.whfreeman.com/iga/