irises

Their heads are so large and heavy.
   It’s a wonder that their slender
stems can hold them up, even when
   buffeted by a strong spring breeze.
But like the lilies of the field,
   the irises are maintained by the
perfect design of their creator
   who is in the business of
doing death-defying tricks.

Why do I even entertain my
   puny, anxious thoughts, let along
succumb to their tyranny?
   Consider the irises, how they
grow.  If they can stand,
   then surely, with a stouter
body and a smaller head,
   I can weather the winds and
      storms of outrageous fortune. 

Liz McFadzean