Red roses of passion bloom in the Valentine bouquet.
Crimson carnations assert continuing devotion.
Abundant chrysanthemums provide a pure backdrop for floral passion,
While shy lilies still sleep in pale green cocoons.
Red passion fades,
Though devotion endures.
We need only enough, not more.
Lilies emerge: symbols of purity, love and grief.
To her they meant only loss.
But grief is the price paid for having loved.
The lilies open last.
by V. Ferrier

recommended reading: The Lily: a Remarkable Flower Bursting with Symbolism