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Flowers
Flowers have a way of bringing beauty and joy into our lives. In this poem, John Imrie reflects on the different qualities we see in flowers and reminds us that their beauty can point our thoughts toward God and His creation.
But the poem offers us more than an appreciation of flowers. Imrie compares their short life with our own, reminding us that our time here passes quickly. His words encourage us to fill the days we are given with goodness, kindness, and thoughts that will leave a lasting influence.
Updated October 3, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
Flowers
Poet: John Imrie
Flowers are loved by young and old,
As they gracefully unfold
Sweetness caught from Eden's bowers,
When at first God made the flowers:
Rich in every tint and hue,
Smiling, through their tears of dew;
Beauty's glory crowns their head,
As they peep from grassy bed!
Purity the Lily seems,
As she in the sunlight gleams;
Humility the Pansy knows,
Happiness bespeaks the Rose,
Love the laughing Daffodil,
Pinks our eyes with Beauty fill;
Every flower, a charm its own.
Fills a place on Flora's throne!
Flowers may teach the heart of man,
As no other teacher can:
God's creative hand was there,
When He made the flowers so fair;
Out of chaos formed the earth,
Spake, and planets had their birth;
To adorn the human race.
Lent the beauty of His face!
He who loves the tiny flower
Something knows of Heaven's power,
Which will hope and courage give,
Strength and sweetness while he live;
Like the flowers we pass away,
Short, yet sweet, is life's brief day —
Let good deeds and thoughts sublime,
Stand the touch and test of time!
Key Reflections In This Poem
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Beauty Can Point Us Toward God
The beauty and variety of flowers remind us of the wonder found in God's creation. Even a small flower can encourage us to pause, notice what surrounds us, and be thankful.
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Every Flower Has Something To Offer
Imrie connects different flowers with qualities such as purity, humility, happiness, and love. Just as each flower has its own beauty, each of us has something worthwhile to contribute.
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Life Passes Quickly
Flowers bloom for only a short time, and the poet uses this as a reminder that our lives also pass quickly. Rather than taking our days for granted, we can appreciate the time we have been given.
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Let Your Goodness Remain
The closing lines encourage us to fill our lives with good deeds and worthwhile thoughts. Our days may be brief, but the good we do can continue to make a difference long after the moment has passed.
Popular Pages
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Conclusion
John Imrie's poem reminds us that flowers offer more than beauty. Their colors, fragrance, and brief season can encourage us to appreciate God's creation while also thinking about how we are living our own lives.
Like a flower, our time here does not last forever. What matters is what we do with the days we have. May we take time to enjoy life's simple beauty, share kindness with others, and do the good we can while we have the opportunity.
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