Re: REF: Poetry
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: REF: Poetry
- From: H* <H*@aol.com>
- Date: Mon, 12 Jan 1998 21:09:19 -0700 (MST)
John,
I cannot identify your iris poem although I am familiar with the one by
Michael Field with the same name. That one, although longer, is fairly well
known and should be investigated by your student. The form of the unknown poem
as described is very suggestive in its austerity, however, and, in the absence
of other more learned leads I think your student should check into the works
of Marianne Moore, Peter Quinnell, and H.D.
Now, wonderful to tell, HIPS distributes a collection called Poems and Songs
for Iris Lovers. This is available in a photocopied facsimile of the original
manuscript which was compiled by members of the Historical Iris Robin of AIS
in 1967. All sorts of poems and excerpts of longer works are included,
including one I shall reproduce below as the most likely candidate for your
student. Poems and Songs for Iris Lovers is available from our own Ruth
Simmons, HIPS Publications Director, Route I, Box 67, Walters, Oklahoma
73572-9747. Price: $6.00.
Here's a sample:
IRIS
by Michael Strange
White Iris, how pure, how lovely,
Like a virgin
In her starched lawn fete dress
Iris, pallid blue, gold veined,
And as if coloured from dawn chills,
Or from the yellow-fingered touching
Of curious starlight
Purple Iris,
Streaked with amethystine memories of the night,
Health-glossed and firm are those ripe wings
Of Oriental butterflies
So in my garden
Undulating ranks of Iris,
Slimly holding their brosd flat blooms
(Like tripods of incense)
Aloft towards the moist spearing
Of morning sunlight.
Anner Whitehead, Richmond, VA
Henry Hall henryanner@aol.com
