Katharine Hodgkin

Iris, most beautiful flower, Symbol of life, love, and light; Found by the brook, and the meadow, Or lofty, on arable height. You come in such glorious colors, In hues, the rainbow surpass; The chart of color portrays you, In petal, or veins, of your class. You bloom with the first in Winter, With the last, in the Fall, you still show; You steal the full beauty of Springtime, With your fragrance and sharp color glow. Your form and beauty of flower, An artist's desire of full worth; So Iris, we love you and crown you, MOST BEAUTIFUL FLOWER ON EARTH!