Columbine

pretty columbines
infused with lions’ courage
dove wings dipped in sky

Kim M. Russell, 20^th August 2019

My response to Carpe Diem #1728 Columbine

A new episode brings a different wildflower to add to our bouquet; this time it’s columbine (aquilegia).

Apparently, when seen from the base, its petals look like five doves in a ring, and the name columbine derives from ‘columba’ meaning ‘dove’. It appeared in many church carvings and, in medieval times, columbine was thought to be eaten by lions – rubbing the flower on your hands gave you a lion’s courage!