Language of Flowers
'The Victorians used to send subtle messages in their gifts of flowers'. Joy Winkler, Poet Laureate 2005 and Writer-in-Residence at HMP/YOI Styal, has written a collection of poems in which she explores her personal memories attached both to the flora and fauna she knew as a child, and to the inspiration that continues to grow in her life.
Joy Winkler is available for readings and/or workshops on 'The Language of Flowers' throughout the summer and autumn 2009. She will work with you to tease out some of the memories that you may have tied up in daisy chains and bouquets. She will also read some of her collection.
Following a workshop at Ellesmere Port Library, last month, one of the participants said: 'This has completely changed the way I look at life'.
Tale: a list, a reckoning.
She measures my visits by the tales I bring
gift-wrapped, crackling in a cellophane
of nods and nuance, sad stories, open
-hearted as orchids, a basket of jokes,
fruity as strawberries. Carefully she
saves twine from my gossip, strengthens
her own blooms with it, to make a display
for others who may wander by the meadow
of her bedside. With a daughter’s care
I thread the silver thinnings of her hair
with daisy chains of memories, the white
and gold of childhood and my chattering,
light as thistledown, blows out the hours.
By teatime, we are heavy with the harvest.
