The Song Of The Shepherd's-Purse Fairy

Though I'm poor to human eyes

Really I am rich and wise.

Every tiny flower I shed

Leaves a heart-shaped purse instead.

In each purse is wealth indeed-

Every coin a living seed.

Sow the seed upon the earth-

Living plants shall spring to birth.

Silly people's purses hold

Lifeless silver, clinking gold;

But you cannot grow a pound

From a farthing in the ground.

Money may become a curse:

Give me then my Shepherd's Purse.

"The Song of the Shepherd's-Purse Fairy

Illustration and poem by

Cecily Mary Barker

(1895-1973)

English artist and poetess

Patroness of the English fairies