When spring arrives, the wildflow’rs start to grow
In woods and fields, and by the country lanes.
In reds and yellows, see the vernal show,
Inaugurated by the winter rains!

But in the state of Texas, we can say
That springtime has a quite distinctive hue;
The state’s official flower has its day,
And crowns the grassy green with royal blue.

The bluebonnets can be seen far and wide
Beside each farm road, interstate, and route.
For passersby, the bluebonnets provide
A charming roadside floral photo shoot.

The springtime brings us quite a lovely view
In Texas, where both skies and flow’rs are blue.

 

Father Richard Libby is a priest of the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

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18 Responses

  2. James Sale

    Love the pic and love the poem: very satisfying Fr Richard! Reasons to visit Texas and not get blue! Thanks.

    Reply
  3. Rohini Sunderam

    I am so happy, thanks to my friend David Hollywood, that I have discovered your site. It is so refreshing to read classical poetry and this is such a lovely perfect sonnet!

    Reply
  4. Joan Carol Fullmore

    Thank you for a beautiful poem and memories – my dad and husband from Texas and they are truly best men I ever met!!

    Reply
    • Fr. Richard Libby

      I’m very pleased that my poem brings back such good memories for you; that’s a level of success that I did not anticipate and for which I’m truly grateful. Thank you!

      Reply
  5. Crise de Abu Wel

    Your poem has stirred me to compose, with Wordsworth and Browning in the back of my mind.

    Composed in Argyle, on the Morning of May 4, 2018
    by Crise de Abu Wel
    for Friar Richard Libby

    The evening primrose, pink and white, in myriads of blooms,
    beneath blue Texan skies, arises—heavenly the view.
    See myriads while driving down the concrete corridors,
    so lively, lovely, one believes one’s entered heaven’s doors.
    How came they here, these godly forms, like spirit ghosts, alive,
    invasive beauty in the air, that here in Earth’s dirt thrive?
    Red-tailed hawks approach the silver jets that cross above,
    while whistling whippoorwills below compete with morning doves.
    O, to be in bluebonnet land when May has just touched down,
    on freeways of Elysium, o, here, in Texas—now.

    Reply
    • Fr. Richard Libby

      Well, I’m very flattered that my poem has inspired another one! Thank you very much!

      Reply
  6. E. V. "Beth" Wyler

    Hello! I enjoyed reading this lovely poem. The ending is especially strong and beautiful.

    Reply
  7. David Watt

    A most enjoyable tribute to Texas and its flora. I didn’t know Texas hosts such spectacular bluebonnet displays. The accompanying artwork is the perfect choice.

    Reply
    • Fr. Richard Libby

      Thank you very much, Mr. Watt! I agree with your comment about the picture; it’s lovely! Lots of wildflowers grow in Texas, and we love them all, but we have a special love for the bluebonnet.

      Reply
  8. David Hollywood

    Lovely poetry. Makes me feel good on a sunny Saturday morning. Well done.

    Reply
  9. Fr. Richard Libby

    Thank you very much, Mr. Hollywood! I’m very happy to hear it!

    Reply
  10. Fr. Tony Blount

    Excellent job Fr. Richard! Inspiring poem! Makes me like Texas even more!

    Reply

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