A flower given to my daughter A small white flower, a small white hand, nestling in a listening darkness, A silence of trees, the tender moaning of bells, I seek, I seek, a thrill of lightness.

Green leaves overhead, mellowing lights of orange, spring forgotten, summer perished, a lighted shield, a bright summer, A flower in my daughter’s hand, A smile to leave her.

O small white flower given to my daughter, Fair summer, faery lights, a moment wakened to life.

Now that they come around, the dominant forces, a reasoning such as it is, Tremendous life, all life laid bare, a breath of Air, a bright sea before us.

Oh my daughter, oh my flower, I see you stream down, a bridge, sparkling blue, a curtain͏a flame O flower of the morning, yearning gracefulness. A child’s voice calling… utforever….

• James Joyce