The Lilies Whisper Poetry

A note from the author, Deborah Amar:

When I wrote “The Lilies Whisper Poetry” in 2009, I never expected to see my lily poem as required reading at schools in the United Kingdom (though pleasantly surprised!). As of 2016, I have yet to publish my anthology of poems and short stories, but seeing my poetry read and interpreted makes the former English Literature major in me feel grateful and blessed.

-Deborah

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A summer day can never end
Or so it seems each year
The longer cycles of the sun
Make cloudy skies seem clear

Each time the wind begins to chime,
And end begins to near
A whisper of the softest sort
Flows gently to the ear

The scent and sight enough are great
Yet lilies live for more
The lilies whisper poetry
As none have heard before

The lilies whisper to the day
That sends the breeze below
It touches ground that none can see
Where lilies lively grow

Beautifully arrayed in white
And drinking from the soil
Free to whisper their poetry
Without the need to toil

But flowers do not last the year
And newer buds must bloom
So short the span of lily life
To give new blossoms room

The lilies whisper poetry
That none shall ever know
For just as summer cannot last
The lilies cease to grow

But beauty lives from that which dies
And leaves something to last
For lilies whisper poetry
For lilies of the past

Originally published by Deborah Amar on 16 February 2009

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What Do Lilies Symbolize?

There are just over 155 species of lilies on earth discovered as of 2022, but the summer lily includes some of the most colorful arrays of whites, reds, yellow, orange, pink, and other combinations. The white lily historically symbolized purity, rebirth, motherhood, and new beginnings. Lilies also symbolically represent abundance, beauty, and benevolence from God (Luke 12:27 NKJV). It is especially prevalent in paintings with the Virgin Mary in Madonna depictions and artwork (more history).