Violets and Peonies

The violets
And peonies
Blooming under
Willow trees
There ruffled by
The summer breeze

To pick them now
Would be a sin
Though lovely vase
I’d put them in
No matter rooms
They’re brightening

They’d last a day
Or maybe two
Their colours fail
Sweet scent will too
Then petals fall
From stems untrue

But if I leave
Them where they bloom
Set out a chair
Or maybe two
A glass of wine
And one for you

Then many weeks
Enjoy the flowers
On summer days
With evening showers
The wiser course
Say higher powers