A VOW-DAY FLOWER

By Michael Earls

Three little leaves like shamrock,

And the trefoil's love-lit eyes,

Whether it takes the sunshine

Or the shadows from the skies.

And richer than rose or lily

Is the flower he wears today,

With triune bloom and fragrance

From earth to heaven alway.

Poverty is the low leaf,

And one is chastely white,

And the red love of obedience

Goes up to God a light.

Grow, good flower, and keep him

Who wears your bloom today,

Shadow and sunshine bless him,

And the trefoil's heavenward way.