Petals fall away,
leaving the leaves
to spiral inward
like a rose in
full bloom,
laced with thorns but
with a stem too woody
for easy conquest.
The strawberry center
remembers the tease of bees.
The rain drains away,
leaving a few drops to
glisten like diamonds.
Whoever says winter
has no flowers
hasn’t seen the holly
as I have.
Note: I snapped this photo a few weeks ago before the first snow. I can’t help looking for flowers even in winter. Holly has been incorporated into many belief systems over the centuries. People planted holly as protection against thunder or to ward off witchcraft. The holly flowers in spring, and its four tiny petals form a cross, making it a common symbol for Christianity. It also represents the waning light of the year from Midsummer to Midwinter in the Celtic faith. May it help your imagination flower.
29 thoughts on “Holly Flower”
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Friendly Fairy Tales 
Just lovely. One og my grad daughter’s is called Holly. She was born in Decenber in Ireland. I see now why her parents chose the name.
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That is a good name for a December baby. 🙂
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what a lovely find. i use holly with my class when i’m teaching them about the winter solstice and it’s my oldest daughter’s name )
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It was the name of my very first friend, over 40 years ago. And rarely have I seen it look so much like a rose. I love it!
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I love Holly, also. You are a very talented photographer, Brenda.
Just letting you know I tagged you and your blog with some #GirlLove in my latest post. You can see it here: https://ddominikwicklesromance.wordpress.com/2016/01/26/girllove-challenge/
Have a great day!
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I think holly is a wonderful way to see the winter (though I live too far North for it…)
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It’s a good metaphor for finding what you’re looking for, even if it takes creativity and imagination. I find that more fun that indulging in the doldrums.
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To ward of thunder… That didn’t work well… Witchcraft too…
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I wouldn’t try to get through a holly hedge
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Very true
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A prickly customer but very pretty.
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The worst job to prune, but lovely in their wild state.
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Indeed, indeed.
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Beautiful. .
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Thank you!
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You are most welcome 🙂
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They are such a lovely plant and interesting too!!
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Yes, indeed. A fairy tale plant. 🙂
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Beautifully written
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Thank you!
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Reblogged this on Still Another Writer's Blog.
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The Holly is just beautiful. I miss flowers…
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Me, too. Luckily some bloggers are still posting them.
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Methinks you can write sister, and beauteously too~
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Thanks, Sister in Art. 😀
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Precious, dear Brenda! 😉 X
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Thanks, Fabio! Blessings!
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Beautiful. “…the tease of bees.” ❤
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My favorite part, too. 😀
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