Daisies of Florence by Kathleen Raine

This poem by Kathleen Raine (obit 2003) was first published in 1965.

Bambini picking daisies in the new spring grass

Of the Boboli gardens

Now and now and now in rosy-petalled fingers hold

The multitude of time.

To the limits of the small and fine florets innumerable of white and gold

They know their daisies real.

 

Botticelli with daisies from the timeless fields of recollection scatters

That bright Elysium or Paradise

Whose flowers none can gather,

Where spirits immortal walk for ever

With her who walks through spring after spring in primavera robed,

Ripening the transient under her veil.