Hi there! I’m a jonquil, and

I want to say “Hello.”

And “Hi” from me, a daffodil.

I’m yellow! Yellow! Yellow!

From bright red me, a tulip, I

suggest you quickly greet me.

‘Cause any second now a greedy

Deer will come and eat me!

Hello. Hello. Just feel my joy,

We crocus can’t resist.

From popping out at daybreak for

An early morning kiss.

And hyacinth! Oh hyacinth!

I’m shorter than you think.

I smell divine, and I look fine

In purple, white, and pink

Do not forget us pansies. Though

We quickly come and go.

So eager are we to arrive,

We get here in the snow!

Psst. Look at me – an Iris. I am

Haughty, tall and proud.

My mauve and golden petals let

Me stand out from the crowd.

I’m waving … can you see me? I am

Called “forget me not!”

My tiny petals (like mouse ears!)

Thrive in a sunny spot.

We violets, too, cannot resist

A garden in the sun.

We spread like crazy … blue and pink

Enough for everyone!

And lastly … Hi, from lilacs. I am

Oh so very pretty.

I’ll glorify myself a bit

As comes to end this ditty.

Just tuck your nose among my buds;

My fragrance is sublime.

And with that thought I’ll

Say goodbye, and end this cheery rhyme!

Copyright © Shelly Reuben, 2025. Shelly Reuben’s books have been nominated for Edgar, Prometheus, and Falcon awards. For more about her writing, visit www.shellyreuben.com.