The Song Of The Lords-And-Ladies Fairy

Here's the song of the Lords-and-Ladies

(in the damp and shade he grows):

I have neither bells nor petals,

like the foxglove or the rose.

Through the length and breadth of England,

many flowers you may see-

Petals, bells, and cups in plenty-

but there's no one else like me.

In the hot-house dwells my kinsman,

Arum-lily, white and fine;

I am not so tall and stately,

but the quaintest hood is mine;

And my glossy leaves are handsome;

I've a spike to make you stare;

And my berries are a glory in September,

(BUT BEWARE!)

Also known as Wild Arum and Jack-In-The-Pulpit,

and a visual delight to discover in the springtime woods,

all parts of the Lords-and-Ladies plant are considered

to be extremely poisonous to people and animals.

"The Song of the Lords-and-Ladies Fairy"

Poem and illustration by

Cecily Mary Barker